What does cognitive developmental theory primarily study?

Cognitive developmental theory primarily studies how thinking changes as individuals age, which encompasses the processes of perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving throughout various developmental stages. This theory, most notably associated with Jean Piaget, emphasizes the evolution of cognitive abilities from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. It highlights the idea that children actively construct their understanding of the world through interactions and experiences, leading to increasingly complex levels of thinking.

Focusing on the development of intelligence, cognitive developmental theory examines how individuals transition from simple to more sophisticated forms of thought as they mature, including the development of abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills. This perspective is crucial for understanding not just what knowledge individuals possess at different ages, but also how they come to acquire and process that knowledge.