What is the first stage of cognitive development in Piaget's theory?

The first stage of cognitive development in Piaget's theory is the sensory-motor stage. This stage typically occurs from birth to around 2 years of age and is characterized by the ways in which infants learn through their sensory experiences and motor activities. During this period, children interact with the world primarily through their senses and actions, which leads to the development of object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. The sensory-motor stage lays the foundation for subsequent cognitive development by emphasizing the significance of experiential learning and the gradual unfolding of cognitive abilities as children begin to explore their environment more actively.

In contrast, the preoperational stage follows the sensory-motor stage and involves symbolic thinking but still lacks the ability to perform operations mentally. The concrete operational stage, occurring later, introduces logical reasoning but is still tied to concrete objects. Finally, the formal operational stage is where abstract thinking emerges, allowing for hypothetical and deductive reasoning. Understanding these stages provides insights into childhood cognitive progression and helps guide effective strategies in educational and counseling contexts.