Who developed the theory of Four Stages of Cognitive Development?

The theory of Four Stages of Cognitive Development was developed by Jean Piaget, who was a pioneering Swiss psychologist. Piaget's work focuses on how children develop their thinking and understanding of the world around them. He identified four distinct stages of cognitive development: the Sensorimotor stage, the Preoperational stage, the Concrete Operational stage, and the Formal Operational stage. Each stage represents a different way in which children process information and interact with their environment.

This theory is foundational in understanding child development as it highlights the progressive nature of cognitive abilities from infancy through adolescence. Piaget emphasized that children actively construct their understanding of the world through experiences and interactions, which has significant implications for educational practices and child-rearing strategies. His research has influenced how educators and caregivers approach learning and development in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of developmentally appropriate practices.