According to Piaget, which is the third stage of cognitive development?

Concept

A stage theory places qualitatively different forms of thinking in a fixed developmental sequence. To identify a numbered stage, use the order of the stages, not merely one ability associated with a stage.

Piaget's sequence moves from action-based learning to symbolic thought, then to logical operations on concrete situations, and finally to abstract reasoning.

Application

Place the four stages in chronological order:

1. Sensorimotor stage: learning through sensory experience and physical action.

2. Preoperational stage: symbolic representation and intuitive thought develop.

3. Concrete operational stage: logical operations become possible for concrete objects and situations.

4. Formal operational stage: abstract and hypothetical reasoning develops.

Contrast

• The preoperational stage belongs earlier in the sequence and centers on symbolic but not yet fully logical thought.

• The formal operational stage belongs later in the sequence and introduces abstract reasoning.

• The sensorimotor stage begins the sequence and is based on sensory and motor interaction.

Therefore, the third stage is the concrete operational stage.