sensorimotor stage

in Piagetian theory, the first major stage of cognitive development, extending from birth through 2 years of age. Evolving over several subphases of increasingly complex behavior—from basic reflex to various degrees of circular reaction to mental combination—the sensorimotor stage is characterized by the development of sensory and motor processes and by the infant’s first knowledge of the world acquired by interacting with the environment. Some rudimentary awareness of the reality of time, space, and cause and effect is present. See also concrete operational stage; formal operational stage; preoperational stage.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

Estes–Skinner procedure

another name for conditioned suppression. [after William K. Estes and B. F. Skinner, who developed the technique in 1941]