
stages of cognitive development
Cognitive development refers to how our thinking, understanding, and problem-solving skills evolve over time. It typically progresses through key stages: early childhood (0-2 years), where infants develop basic awareness and object permanence; preschool years (2-7), with developing language and imaginative skills; school years (7-11), where logical thinking and reasoning improve; and adolescence (12+), marked by abstract thinking and complex problem-solving. These stages reflect how our brains grow and become more capable of understanding the world, enabling us to learn, reason, and adapt at each phase of life.