How many major stages are identified in Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

Piaget's theory of cognitive development is structured around four major stages: the sensorimotor stage, the preoperational stage, the concrete operational stage, and the formal operational stage. Each of these four stages represents a distinct phase in children's cognitive development, characterized by specific ways of thinking and understanding the world.

The correct understanding of Piaget's framework is critical for recognizing the nature of cognitive growth in children. Each stage has been shown to exhibit specific types of thinking and learning capabilities that children demonstrate as they mature. For instance, the sensorimotor stage focuses on learning through sensory experiences and motor actions, while the formal operational stage involves abstract reasoning.

Therefore, the misinterpretation that it is not a stage-based theory does not align with Piaget's foundational work, which distinctly delineates these four stages as essential developmental milestones. Understanding these stages helps educators and caregivers support cognitive growth effectively in children.