Children are said to use which form of learning in the early stages as theorized by Piaget?

The correct choice emphasizes that children, in their early developmental stages, engage in cognitive learning, as theorized by Jean Piaget. Piaget's theory of cognitive development posits that children actively construct their understanding of the world through experiences and interactions. This process involves various cognitive skills, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding relationships.

Through cognitive learning, children explore their environment, manipulate objects, and engage in activities that allow them to construct knowledge. For example, when toddlers stack blocks, they are not just playing; they are learning concepts related to balance, cause and effect, and spatial awareness. This type of learning is foundational, as it lays the groundwork for more complex thoughts and skills later in life.

In contrast, experiential learning typically involves learning through experience and reflection, which can occur later in development. Behavioral learning focuses on observable behaviors and their responses to environmental stimuli, an approach that does not capture the active knowledge construction emphasized by Piaget. Imitative learning, while important, refers specifically to learning by observing and replicating others' actions, which is a component of cognitive development but not the overarching framework Piaget described. Thus, the emphasis on cognitive learning aligns seamlessly with Piaget's fundamental ideas about how children learn in their formative years