Stage theory

Stage theories are based on the idea that elements in systems move through a pattern of distinct over time and that these stages can be described based on their distinguishing characteristics. Specifically, stages in cognitive development have a constant order of succession, later stages integrate the achievements of earlier stages, and each is characterized by a particular type of structure of mental processes which is specific to it. The time of appearance may vary to a certain extent depending upon environmental conditions.

"Stage theory" can also be applied beyond psychology to describe phenomena more generally where multiple phases lead to an outcome. The term "stage theory" can thus be applied to various scientific, sociological and business disciplines. In these contexts, stages may not be as rigidly defined, and it is possible for individuals within the multi-stage process to revert to earlier stages or skip some stages entirely.

Jean Piaget's theory consists of four stages: Sensorimotor: (birth to 2 years), Preoperations: (2 to 7 years), Concrete operations: (7 to 11 years), and Formal Operations: (11 to 16 years). Each stage has at least two substages, usually called early and fully.

This stage is represented when infants obtain some control over their surroundings by sensory and motor schemes. Infants start to identify their actions and the consequences of their actions.

A child comes into the world knowing almost nothing, but they have the potential that comes in the form of:

Infants use these potentials to explore and gain an understanding about themselves and the environment. They have a lack of object permanence, which means they have little or no ability to conceive things as existing outside their immediate vicinity. For example: when you place a barrier, such as a piece of wood, in front of an object an infant will believe that the object is nonexistent.

Study

This play does not provide a purpose other than sensation:

Preoperational intelligence means the young child is capable of mental representations, but does not have a system for organizing this thinking (intuitive rather than logical thought). The child is egocentric – which is they have problems distinguishing from their own perceptions and perceptions of others. A classic example is, a preoperational child will cover their eyes so they can not see someone and think that that person can not see them either.

The child also has rigid thinking, which involves the following:

The concrete operational child will overcome the aspects of rigidity apparent in a preoperational child. These are:

The tasks of concrete operations are:

...
Wikipedia