Which developmental psychologist is known for his stages of cognitive development?

Jean Piaget is recognized for his groundbreaking work on the stages of cognitive development in children. His theory is crucial in understanding how children acquire knowledge and the way thinking evolves as they grow. Piaget proposed that cognitive development occurs in four distinct stages: the sensorimotor stage (birth to about 2 years), the preoperational stage (ages 2 to 7), the concrete operational stage (ages 7 to 11), and the formal operational stage (age 12 and up).

Each stage represents a different level of cognitive ability, with children mastering different skills and ways of thinking as they progress through these stages. This framework is widely utilized in educational settings to inform teaching practices and curricular designs that support children's cognitive development at appropriate stages.

The other theorists could be mistaken for their focus on different aspects of human development. Sigmund Freud is famous for his psychoanalytic theory, which centers on emotional and personality development rather than cognitive processes. Erik Erikson is known for his psychosocial stages of development, which focus on social and emotional growth across the lifespan, rather than the cognitive aspects emphasized by Piaget. Lev Vygotsky, while also influential, is best known for his concepts of social interaction and cultural influences on learning, particularly