Which developmental theory describes cognitive growth in stages including sensorimotor and preoperational?

• A. Freudian Theory
• B. Vygotskian Theory
• C. Piaget's Theory
• D. Kohlberg's Theory

Answer: (C)

Cognitive development unfolds through distinct stages, each with its own way of thinking. In the sensorimotor stage, from birth to about two years, children learn what they can do with their bodies and senses, and they discover that objects continue to exist even when hidden. In the next stage, preoperational, roughly ages two to seven, children begin to use symbols and language and engage in pretend play, but their thinking is still concrete, often egocentric, and they haven’t mastered logical operations yet. This pattern of staged cognitive growth is characteristic of Piaget's theory.

The other theories focus on different roots of development. Freudian theory centers on psychosexual stages shaping personality, Vygotsky emphasizes social interaction and cultural tools in learning, and Kohlberg describes stages of moral reasoning. The description fits Piaget because it centers on how thinking changes in clear, age-related stages like sensorimotor and preoperational.