Which theorist is known for his contributions to cognitive development and learning?

The correct answer is Jean Piaget. He is widely recognized for his extensive work on the theory of cognitive development, which outlines how children's thinking evolves through distinct stages. Piaget's model identifies four primary stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational, each characterized by different abilities and ways of understanding the world. His research emphasizes that cognitive development occurs through active exploration and interaction with the environment, making learning a developmental process that evolves rather than a mere accumulation of knowledge.

While Lev Vygotsky also made significant contributions to our understanding of learning, particularly through his concepts of social interaction and the zone of proximal development, his focus was more on the sociocultural influences on learning rather than the cognitive stages of development itself. Albert Bandura is renowned for his social learning theory, emphasizing observational learning and modeling rather than cognitive stages. Erik Erikson's work primarily concerns psychosocial development over the lifespan, focusing on emotional and social growth rather than cognitive processes specifically. Thus, Piaget stands out in the context of cognitive development and learning.