Discuss, using Piaget’s stages of development, the cognitive development shown by Wahida and Khalid. You must make reference to the context in your answer. (8)

Question 1

The sensorimotor stage takes place between birth and 2 years old where the infant learns from the environment through their Senses.

Answer 1

At 6 months old, Wahida will put her toys in her mouth as this is part of her sensory learning about the environment and objects.

Question 2

Object permanence develops as the infant begins to realise that a hidden object still exists even when it cannot be seen.

Answer 2

Wahida will not understand her toy is just hidden from view but still exists, so she cries when it is out of sight as she thinks it has gone

Question 3

The pre-operational stage takes place between 2 and 7 years old where understanding of the environment is dominated by the appearance of objects.

Answer 3

At 3 years old, Khalid is able to state the features of objects, such as big or small, as he understands how the world around him looks.

Question 4

Egocentrism is when the child does not understand that others may see things in the environment differently to them.

Answer 4

By saying that Wahida likes dinosaurs, Khalid shows he is unable to understand that Wahida may perceive the world differently to him and thinks she will like the same things he does.