Cognitive Development - Piaget I.What is cognitive development? A.Definition of cognition B.The structural-functional approach C.The information processing approach II.Piaget’s theory of cognitive development A.Background B.Piaget’s theory 1.Cognitive equilibrium 2.Cognitive schemata a. Behavioral (sensorimotor) schemata b. Symbolic schemata c. Operational schemata 3.How do schema develop? a. Organization b. Adaptation: Assimilation and accomodation III.Piaget’s stages of cognitive development A.Properties of stages 1.Invariant developmental sequences 2.Hierarchical relations among stages B.Sensorimotor intgelligence 1.The six stages of sensorimotor intelligence 2.Imitation and object permanence C.Preoperational period 1.Preconceptual period a. Emergence of symbolic function b. Animism, transductive reasoning, and egocentrism 2.Intuitive period D.Concrete operational period E.Formal operational period

Definition of cognition Cognition: Refers to act of knowing Concerned with the mental processes by which knowledge is acquired, elaborated, stored, and retrieved Attention to the world Perception of the world Learning, thinking, remembering, and so on Cognitive development: Changes that occur in mental skills and abilities over time

Perspectives on Cognitive Development The structural-functional approach: Emphasizes the biological functions and environmental influences that promote developmental changes in the organization and the structure of intelligence The information-processing approach: Focuses on the growth of specific cognitive processing mechanisms, such as perception, attention, memory, and so on

Piaget’s Theory Cognitive equilibrium: What is intelligence? Basic life force that helps one adapt to environment Type of equilibrium towards which all cognitive structures tend Produce balanced relation between through processes and environment Balanced relation called “cognitive equilibrium” Children as constructivists Cognitive schema (or schemata): Cognitive structure Pattern of thought or action Behavioral (sensorimotor) schemas Organized pattern of behavivor used to represent objects of experience First psychological structures to appear Symbolic schemas Ability to think about objects/events without actually having them present Operational schemas Cognitive operations applied to objects/events

Piaget’s Theory, con’t How do schema change? Organization Combine existing schemas into new schema Produces more complex intellectual structures Adaptation Two complementary processes: Assimilation and accomodation Assimilation The process by which children attempt to interpret new experiences in relation to previous experiences Fit new information with existing schemas Accomodation The process by which children modify their existing cognitive structures to account for new experiences Existing schemas undergo change Two processes always occur together End result is cognitive equilibrium

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development Properties of stage theories: Invariant developmental sequence Constant, unchanging order No skipping of stages Indicates strong maturational component Hierarchical relations among stages Structures of earlier stages not lost Incorporated into achievements of later stages Stages of development: Period of sensorimotor intelligence (Birth – 2 years) Preoperational period (2 – 7 years) Concrete operational period (7 – 11 years) Formal operational period (11 years on)

Period of Sensorimotor Intelligence Substages of the sensorimotor period: Stage 1: The use of reflexes (0 – 1 mo) Stage 2: Primary circular reactions (1 – 4 mos) Stage 3: Secondary circular reactions (4 – 8 mos) Stage 4: Coordination of secondary schemas (8 – 12 mos) Stage 5: Tertiary circular reactions (12 – 18 mos) Stage 6: Invention of new means through mental combinations (18 – 24 mos) Specific developmental abilities: Imitation Object permanence

Preoperational Period Preconceptual period (2 – 4 years): Symbolic function and pretend play Animism Transductive reasoning Egocentrism Intuitive period (4 – 7 years): Conservation problems Characteristic to defining shift

The Characteristic to Defining Shift Uncle +C / -D -C / +D  Same age as Dad  2 years old  Gives presents on birthday  Your father’s brother  Visits on weekends  Not related