What is one of the major differences between Vygotskys theory of cognitive development and Piagets theory of cognitive development?

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CTET Feb 2015 Paper 2 Maths & Science (L - I/II: Hindi/English/Sanskrit)

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  1. their critique of behaviouristic principles.
  2. the role of providing a nurturing environment to children.
  3. their views about language and thought.
  4. their conception of children as active constructors of knowledge.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : their views about language and thought.

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CT 1: Growth and Development - 1

10 Questions 10 Marks 10 Mins

Piaget and Vygotsky were notable contributors to the cognitive development components of psychology.

Let's understand in brief:

  • Jean Piaget: He was a Swiss psychologist and known as the father of Child Psychology. He made a systematic study of cognitive development in his theory that is categorized in four stages.
  • Lev Vygotsky: He was a Russian psychologist and a social constructivist. He has propounded 'Socio-cultural Theory' which emphasizes the role of social interaction in cognitive development.

What is one of the major differences between Vygotskys theory of cognitive development and Piagets theory of cognitive development?
Key Points 

They considered that acquisition of speech is the major activity in cognitive development. However, they differ from each other in this matter.

Piaget's and Vygotsky's view on 'Language and Thought':

Piaget Vygotsky
  • Thought precedes Language or determines it.
  • In the initial stage of life, thought & language are independent.
  • Egocentric speech is of no use.
  • Private speech gives direction to children.
  • Cognitive development is independent of language.
  • Language is essential for cognitive development.

Hence, it could be concluded that a major difference between the perspectives of Vygotsky and Piaget pertains to their views about language and thought.

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  • Created by: caitlyn.hole
  • Created on: 01-11-17 09:59

Comparison between Piaget & Vygotsky

Similarities

  • Children learn increasingly complex information and skills as they get older
  • Emphasis on both nature and nurture - Both recognise the role of heredity and maturation of the brain and body=nature. Piaget recognises how children meet the demands of their environment
  • Children's cognitive abilities develop in a sequence and particular abilities develop at certain stages

Differences

  • Piaget said that cognitive development is driven by a child's inbuilt tendency to adapt to new experiences whereas Vygotsky said that cognitive development is driven by social interaction
  • Piaget stated children learn through active self-discovery; Vygotsky said children learn through instruction and guidance
  • Piaget believed cognitive development is the same universally whereas Vygotsky said that it differs across cultures and time
  • Piaget believed children will only learn when they are ready, whereas Vygotsky believed that development could be accelerated to an extend, with correct scaffolding and within the ZPD
  • Piaget believed that language is a result of cognitive developement; Vygotsky said that language is key to cognitive development

Overall comparison

The key difference between Piaget and Vygotsky is that Piaget believed that self-discovery is crucial, whereas Vygotsky stated that learning is done through being taught by a More Knowledgeable Other.

What are the differences between Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories of cognitive development?

The fundamental difference between Piaget and Vygotsky is that Piaget believed in the constructivist approach of children, or in other words, how the child interacts with the environment, whereas Vygotsky stated that learning is taught through socially and culturally.

Which of the following is a major difference between Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories of cognitive development quizlet?

Whereas Piaget emphasized children's independent efforts to make sense of their world, Vygotsky viewed cognitive development as a socially mediated process, in which children depend on assistance from adults when they tackle new challenges. Piaget- Why children play?