Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Who is known for their work in cognitive development?

1. Lev Vygotsky

2. Erik Erikson

3. Jean Piaget

4. B.F. Skinner

The correct answer is: Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget is renowned for his foundational work in cognitive development, which he conceptualized through a series of stages that children go through as they mature intellectually. He proposed that children actively construct their understanding of the world through experiences and interactions, leading to the development of cognitive skills. Piaget identified four key stages: the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages, each characterized by distinct cognitive abilities and ways of thinking. His theories have profoundly influenced both psychology and education, emphasizing the importance of developmental stages and the need to align teaching methods with a child's current cognitive capabilities. This perspective of understanding child development through an active, constructivist lens highlights how children learn by engaging with their environment and solving problems, thereby laying the groundwork for modern developmental psychology.