Which sequence lists Piaget's four cognitive development stages in the correct order?

Which sequence lists Piaget's four cognitive development stages in the correct order?

• A. Sensorimotor; Preoperational; Concrete Operational; Formal Operational
• B. Sensorimotor; Concrete Operational; Preoperational; Formal Operational
• C. Preoperational; Sensorimotor; Formal Operational; Concrete Operational
• D. Formal Operational; Sensorimotor; Preoperational; Concrete Operational

Answer: (A)

Piaget’s stages unfold in a real progression of cognitive complexity, from direct interaction with the world to abstract thinking. The correct sequence starts with sensorimotor, lasting roughly from birth to age two, when thinking is tied to concrete actions and senses and object permanence begins to develop. The next stage is preoperational, from about ages two to seven, where symbolic thinking and language emerge but thinking is still egocentric and not yet logical. Then comes concrete operational, around ages seven to eleven, where children begin to use logical operations on concrete objects and understand concepts like conservation. The final stage is formal operational, starting around twelve and up, characterized by abstract, hypothetical, and deductive reasoning. The other sequences mix these stages in ways that don’t match how cognitive abilities typically emerge—for example, placing logical, concrete thinking before symbolic thinking, or placing abstract reasoning before concrete operational skills—so they don’t reflect the real developmental path.

Piaget’s stages unfold in a real progression of cognitive complexity, from direct interaction with the world to abstract thinking. The correct sequence starts with sensorimotor, lasting roughly from birth to age two, when thinking is tied to concrete actions and senses and object permanence begins to develop. The next stage is preoperational, from about ages two to seven, where symbolic thinking and language emerge but thinking is still egocentric and not yet logical. Then comes concrete operational, around ages seven to eleven, where children begin to use logical operations on concrete objects and understand concepts like conservation. The final stage is formal operational, starting around twelve and up, characterized by abstract, hypothetical, and deductive reasoning. The other sequences mix these stages in ways that don’t match how cognitive abilities typically emerge—for example, placing logical, concrete thinking before symbolic thinking, or placing abstract reasoning before concrete operational skills—so they don’t reflect the real developmental path.