Piaget's stages of Intellectual Development Evaluation

Question 1

Support

Answer 1

He changed how people view children’s world

There was loads of research generated increasing the understanding for cognitive development

There is evidence for the pre=operational in the class inclusion test

This supports Piaget’s stages of intellectual development

Question 2

Contradiction

Answer 2

His study may have lacked validity

Children could’ve picked up how the examinater wanted them to answer

McGarrigle and Donaldson suggest that in a number task, if counters were moved by the “naughty teddy” 72% of the children under 7 would state that the number is the same as before

This suggests that Piaget underestimated conservation ability in children age 4-6

This may have led children to think that something must have changed - limitation because it questions the nature of the per operational stage

Question 3

Alternative

Answer 3

Vygotski suggests that development can be social rather than individual - contradicts Piaget’s theory

This theory could be more applicable as it ca explain cultural differences - learning through socialisation not jut individual maturation

Question 4

Practical Application

Answer 4

Real life learning and impacts on educational practice

Children aren’t biologically ready to do certain tasks at certain ages

Effective learning can take place when teachers tailor tasks for children the right age

Useful in real life settings as it can be applied to education settings

Question 5

Issues + Debates

Answer 5

Piaget’s ideas were biased as they were based in Europe (European values)

Abstract thinking might not hold the same level of importance in non-European cultures

This means that it may not be applicable to individuals outside of this culture