Stages of Cognitive Development
This 10-month-old giggles every time her mom hides behind a blanket and reappears. She’s just starting to understand that her mom still exists even when she’s out of sight. She explores the world by putting things in her mouth and banging toys together.
Sensorimotor
Ava, age 6, shares her crayons only after the teacher promises a sticker. She often asks, “What do I get if I do it?” and avoids things that might get her in trouble. She doesn’t understand why rules exist — only that they lead to rewards or punishment.
Stage 1 Punishment
Emma, age 10, follows every rule at home and school without question. She rarely expresses her opinions and seems anxious when she makes mistakes. Her parents enforce strict rules, rarely explain their reasoning, and expect obedience without discussion.
Authoritarian
This child seeks comfort from their caregiver when upset and calms quickly after being soothed. They explore freely but check in with their caregiver regularly.
Secure
He’s considered the father of psychology and opened the first psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.
Wilhelm Wundt
This 4-year-old insists that the moon follows him wherever he goes. He believes his stuffed animals have feelings and talks to them like they’re real. When shown two identical glasses of juice, he says one has more just because it’s taller.
Pre Operational
Jayden, age 15, refuses to cheat on a test, saying, “Even if no one finds out, it’s still wrong.” He believes in universal principles like honesty and justice, even if they conflict with rules or peer pressure. He often asks, “What’s the right thing to do?”
Stage 6 Universal Ethical Principles
Leo, age 7, stays up as late as he wants and eats whatever he feels like. His parents rarely say no and often give in when he throws tantrums. He’s creative and expressive but struggles with boundaries and self-control.
Permissive
This child rarely seeks comfort from their caregiver, even when distressed. They prefer to play alone and show little emotion when the caregiver leaves or returns.
Avoidant
He developed psychoanalysis and emphasized the role of the unconscious mind.
Sigmund Frued
This 8-year-old can sort objects by size, shape, and color. He understands that if you pour water from a tall glass into a short one, the amount doesn’t change. He’s great at math facts and loves organizing his Pokémon cards by type and strength.
Concrete Operational
Liam, age 7, agrees to help his friend with homework only if he gets help in return. He says, “I’ll do it if you do something for me.” He sees fairness as equal exchange and often negotiates deals with peers.
Stage 2 Self Interest
Sofia, age 12, is confident, respectful, and does well in school. Her parents set clear expectations but also listen to her opinions. They explain rules and consequences and encourage her to make decisions independently
Authoritative
This child is extremely distressed when separated from their caregiver and struggles to calm down even after reunion. They’re unsure whether their caregiver will meet their needs.
Anxious
This early school of psychology focused on breaking down mental processes into basic components.
structuralism
This 14-year-old debates whether school dress codes are fair. She can imagine hypothetical worlds and thinks deeply about abstract concepts like freedom and equality. She enjoys solving algebra problems and writing persuasive essays.
Formal Operational
Noah, age 13, challenges a school rule banning hoodies, arguing it unfairly targets certain students. He writes a letter to the principal and organizes a peaceful protest. He believes rules should serve fairness and be open to change.
Stage 5 Social Contract
Jaden, age 13, is curious and independent. His parents encourage him to ask questions and explore new ideas. They set rules but allow flexibility when he explains his reasoning. He’s respectful and self-motivated.
Authoritative
This child shows contradictory behaviors — approaching the caregiver but then freezing or avoiding them. They may seem confused or fearful, especially during reunions.
Disorganized
This philosophical view holds that the mind and body are not separate — everything is made of one substance.
Monism
This 10-year-old conducts experiments to see which paper airplane design flies farthest. He can explain why ice melts and understands logical sequences. He’s starting to grasp cause and effect in science and can solve multi-step math problems.
Concrete Operational
Sophia, age 8, volunteers to clean up the classroom without being asked. She says, “I want my teacher to think I’m responsible.” She follows rules to gain approval and often asks, “Was that good?” after helping others.
Stage 3 Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
Natalie, age 8, says, “My parents don’t care what I think — I just have to do it.” She’s obedient but fearful of making mistakes. Her parents use punishment often and rarely offer praise or emotional support.
Authoritarian
This teenager constantly texts their parent for reassurance and panics when they don’t respond immediately. They often feel insecure in relationships and fear abandonment.
Anxious
This theory argues that the mind and body are distinct entities — one physical, one non-physical.
Dualism