Critique of Piagetian theory

A major criticism stems from the very nature of a stage theory. The stages
may be inaccurate or just plain wrong. Weiten (1992) points out that Piaget
may have underestimated the development of young children. ... Others point
out that preoperational children may be less egocentric than Piaget believed.

Age and percentage

Average Age of First Intercourse by Country:
Youngest on the list is Iceland at an average age of 15.6. Israel is almost as
eager at 16.7 years old, followed by Brazil at 17.4 and the United States at 18
years. East Asians wait longest, China at 22.1 and Malaysia at 23 years old.

Characteristics of the Concrete Operational Stage

The concrete operational stage begins around age seven and continues until
approximately age eleven. During this time, children gain a better
understanding of mental operations. Children begin thinking logically about
concrete events but have difficulty understanding abstract or hypothetical
concepts.

Preoperational Stage
The preoperational stage occurs roughly between the ages 2 and 7.Language
development is one of the hallmarks of this period. Piaget noted that children
in this stage do not yet understand concrete logic, cannot mentally
manipulate information and are unable to take the point of view of other
people, which he termed egocentrism.
Formal Operational Stage
The formal operational stage is the fourth and final stage of Piaget's
theory of cognitive development. The emerging abstract thought
and hypothetical reasoning mark this phase of development.

At this point in development, thinking becomes much more

sophisticated and advanced. Kids can think about abstract and
theoretical concepts and use logic to come up with creative solutions
to problems.

Learn more about some of the essential characteristics and events

that take place during this stage of cognitive development.