What are the main components of Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

Piaget's theory of cognitive development is a foundational concept in developmental psychology that outlines how children move through distinct stages of intellectual growth. The correct choice identifies the four primary stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

1. The sensorimotor stage occurs from birth to about two years of age, where infants develop an understanding of the world through their senses and actions. They learn about object permanence during this stage, recognizing that objects continue to exist even when they are not seen.

2. The preoperational stage, spanning roughly ages two to seven, is characterized by the development of language and symbolic thinking. However, children's reasoning is still intuitive and egocentric, meaning they struggle to see perspectives other than their own.

3. The concrete operational stage, from ages seven to eleven, marks the emergence of logical reasoning about concrete events. Children begin to grasp the concept of conservation and the ability to classify objects according to multiple criteria.

4. Finally, the formal operational stage, which typically begins around age twelve, involves the ability to think abstractly and systematically. Adolescents can manipulate ideas in their mind and think about hypothetical situations, leading to more sophisticated problem-solving skills.

Understanding these