Introduction
The process by which human being grows from birth to maturity takes place in stages that have been described by many theorists. Cognitive, social, and moral development is not an instant invents but rather a process. Consequently, many studies and theories have been used to explore and understand human development. Some of the leading theories that are used to understand human development include cognitive development theory, moral development theory, and development theory by Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky respectively. Understanding human development is not only helpful to parents but also teachers and society at large.
Comparing and Contrasting the Three Theories
Jean Piaget is a developmental psychologist whose work is recognized globally. He was interested in understanding how the mental abilities of human beings change over time ( Joubish & Khurram, 2011) . Consequently, he developed cognitive development theory that is now used by many people to understand human development stages. According to Piaget development theory, the cognitive development of a child undergoes four main stages (Slavin, 2018, p. 25). Every stage is associated with new cognitive abilities and methods of processing information. Piaget further argues that children are born with the tendency of interacting with the surrounding environment. The four stages of cognitive development based on Piaget’s theory include sensorimotor, Pre-operational, concrete operational, and formal operational stage. All children are expected to pass through the four stages of cognitive development without passing even one (Slavin, 2018, p. 26).
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Both Piaget and Vygotsky explored human cognitive development. However, unlike Piaget, Vygotsky argues argued that cognitive development can best be understood based on both historical and cultural contexts that have been experienced by children (Slavin, 2018, p. 33). Also, he firmly believed that cognitive development is mostly influenced by the sign system that mainly comprises of symbols used by people in society. Also, unlike Piaget, Vygotsky maintained that the cognitive development of children is associated with the support or input they receive from other people (Slavin, 2018, p. 33). Also, based on Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development, learning always precedes development.
Kohlberg, on the other hand, through his moral development theory, proposed that people undergo six main stages of moral reasoning. The six stages are broadly grouped into three main levels that include pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional (Slavin, 2018, p. 49). Like Piaget, Kohlberg argues that the ability of people to understand moral issues becomes complex as they grow older. Thus, the three theories have some differences and similarities.
Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory
Piaget’s cognitive development theory comprehensively explains how human beings acquire their intellectual ability from childhood to adulthood. The theory has four main stages that clearly explain cognitive development. Therefore, I chose the theory because it explains the process of cognitive development in detail. The first stage is sensorimotor that is common in children aged between birth and two years. According to Piaget, at this stage, children explore and understand their surrounding environment using senses and motor skills. The second stage is the preoperational stage where children’s cognitive abilities have developed to the extent that they can understand symbols and engage in rational thinking (Slavin, 2018, p. 27). Nonetheless, their thinking remains primitive at this stage.
The third stage of cognitive development is the concrete operational stage that is experienced by children between 7 and 11 years. Although the cognitive abilities of children have developed significantly by the time they reach this stage, they cannot still engage in abstract thought (Slavin, 2018, p. 29). However, children have gained concept reversibility, making it easier for them to communicate with others. Also, children can logically arrange things when they reach the third stage. Final operational is the final stage, and it starts with children who are 11 years to adulthood. At this stage, children can think abstractly. At the same time, they can deal with hypothetical situations.
The Situation I have Observed
One situation I have observed while interacting with children below seven years is focusing on quantity. I wanted to divide juice among three children using classes of different sizes. Even though the glasses contained the same amount of juice, I realized that all three children were struggling to take the biggest glass, believing that it contained more juice. On the contrary, none of the children wanted the smallest glass, even though it contained the same quantity of juice. I concluded that young children make decisions based on what they see.
How the Example Fits in the Theory
The example fits in Piaget’s cognitive theory, especially the preoperational stage. Piaget explained in the preoperational stage that young children are not able to understand the principle of conservation. Children below seven years only pay attention to one aspect of a given situation due to their primitive thinking (Slavin, 2018, p. 27). For instance, in examples, the main focus was the size of the glass and not the quantity of milk they contained. Hence, the example is explained by the theory.
Conclusion
Many theories have been used to explore and understand human development. Piaget, Vygotsky, and Kohlberg were the foremost theorists who used different theories to explain human development. The theory by Piaget and Vygotsky mainly helps in understanding cognitive development while Kohlberg’s theory focuses on moral reasoning. Theories can be used to understand various human development stages.
References
Joubish, M. F., & Khurram, M. A. (2011). Cognitive development in Jean Piaget's work and its implications for teachers. World Applied Sciences Journal , 12 (8), 1260-1265.
Slavin, R. E. (2018). Educational psychology: Theory and practice . New York: Pearson.
