Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

Which of the following stages is the first in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

1. Pre-operational Stage

2. Concrete Operations Stage

3. Formal Operations Stage

4. Sensorimotor Stage

The correct answer is: Sensorimotor Stage

In Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, the first stage is the Sensorimotor Stage. This stage spans from birth to approximately 2 years of age and is characterized by the infant's interaction with the world primarily through sensory experiences and motor activities. During this period, children learn about their environment through sight, sound, touch, taste, and movement. They begin to develop object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen or heard. This foundational stage is crucial because it sets the groundwork for further cognitive development in subsequent stages, such as the Pre-operational Stage, where symbolic thinking and language begin to develop, or the Concrete Operations Stage, where logical reasoning emerges. Understanding this initial stage provides insight into how children begin to construct their understanding of the world around them, which informs practices in early childhood education.