Similar to Freuds, started from traditional scientific approach. First work in Binet’s laboratory for quantitative intelligence measurement. Piaget’s qualitative interest rather than quantitative. Studies conducted through complex qualitative interviews of young children.
Definition
Developmental stage with focus on ability to think (cognitive development). i. e., how humans think as they grow up.
Constructionist in nature; seeks to understand variation in construction with development, growth and environment.
Composed of 3 levels (preconventional, conventional & postconventional) each with 2 stages.
Components
- Sensorimotor period. Birth to 18-24 months.
- Preoperational thoughts. 2-7 years.
- Concrete operational thought. 7-9 years.
- Formal operations. Adolescence to Adulthood.
Criticism
Theory does not recognize cultural and gender differences in developmental experiences.
Theory is linear stage-based, just like other enduring stage-based theories.
Lacks control groups, uses small samples and lacks statistical analysis.
Theory uses a nonscientific approach.
References
Bjorklund, D. F. (2018). A metatheory for cognitive development (or “Piaget is dead” revisited). Child Development, 89(6), 2288-2302. Web.
Kazi, S., & Galanaki, E. (2019). Piagetian theory of cognitive development. The encyclopedia of child and adolescent development, 1-11. Web.