Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is one of the most influential in the field of developmental psychology. Piaget divided human cognitive development into different stages, the first of which was the sensorimotor stage. In this article, we will explore what the sensorimotor stage is according to Piaget and how it is expressed in the development of children.
The beginnings of the sensorimotor stage
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development according to Piaget's theory. It extends approximately from birth to two years of age. During this period, children experience the world through their senses and motor actions. Piaget proposed that babies at this stage do not possess the ability to think in abstract terms or to use symbolic thinking, as older children would.
One of the key concepts of the sensorimotor stage is the notion of the permanence of the object. Piaget observed that younger babies appear to be unaware that objects continue to exist even though they are outside their field of vision. For example, if a baby sees a toy being hidden under a blanket, he may think that the toy has completely disappeared.
The substages of the sensorimotor stage
Substage 1: Exercises reflexes (0-1 month)
In the first substage of the sensorimotor stage, newborn babies relate to the world through their innate reflexes, such as sucking and grasping. These reflexes allow them to satisfy their basic needs, such as feeding and seeking physical contact with their caregivers.
Substage 2: Primary circular reactions (1-4 months)
In this substage, the Babies begin to repeat actions that give them pleasure, such as sucking their thumb or hitting a toy that makes noise. These actions are not directed towards a specific purpose, but are the result of the satisfaction they obtain when carrying them out.
Substage 3: Secondary circular reactions (4-8 months)
In this stage, babies begin to be more aware of their environment and how they can affect it with their actions. For example, a baby may learn to rattle a toy to get the attention of parents or caregivers. Greater coordination between sight and touch develops to explore the surrounding world.
Substage 4: Coordination of secondary schemas (8-12 months)
In this substage, babies They begin to combine simple actions to achieve a desired result. For example, a baby might push one object to reach another object behind it. They also begin to show clear signs of memory and anticipation, such as when they look for a toy that they know is hidden under a blanket.
Substage 5: Tertiary circular reactions (12-18 months)
At this stage, babies begin to actively experiment with their environment. They take intentional actions to see what happens, exploring the consequences of their actions in more sophisticated ways. For example, a baby might repeatedly drop a toy from a chair to watch it fall to the floor.
Substage 6: Combination of tertiary schedules (18-24 months)
In the Last substage of the sensorimotor stage, children begin to use more complex strategies to explore the world around them. They experiment with different ways of interacting with objects and people, combining previously learned schemes in new and creative ways.
The importance of the sensorimotor stage
The sensorimotor stage is fundamental in cognitive development of children, as it lays the foundation for later stages of abstract and symbolic thinking. During this period, babies acquire sensory and motor skills that allow them to explore and understand the world around them. As they develop object permanence and begin to experiment with different actions, they also develop a more sophisticated understanding of cause and effect.
In addition, interaction with caregivers and the environment during the sensorimotor stage is crucial for the development of a secure attachment and a solid emotional foundation. Babies who receive affection, attention, and adequate stimulation during this stage tend to develop greater confidence in themselves and their ability to explore the world safely and positively.
Conclusions
In summary, the sensorimotor stage according to Piaget is a fundamental period in children's cognitive development, during which they acquire sensory, motor and cognitive skills that lay the foundation for later stages of more advanced thinking. Through active exploration of their environment, babies develop a deeper understanding of how the world works and how they can interact with it effectively.
Understanding the sensorimotor stage is not only important for parents and caregivers, but also for education and child psychology professionals, as it provides them with valuable information about early development and how to effectively support children in this crucial stage of their lives.