Sensorimotor Stage

Definition

The sensorimotor stage is the first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development where infants learn about the world through their senses and motor activities from birth until approximately 2 years old.

Related terms

Object Permanence: The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed. This is a key concept developed during the sensorimotor stage.

Preoperational Stage: The second stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development (from about 2 - 7 years old), where children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols.

Reflexes: Automatic responses or actions programmed by non-cortical brain centers. These are crucial for survival during early infancy which falls under sensorimotor stage.