Which stage is characterized by the development of schemas for mental representation of objects?

• A. Sensorimotor Stage
• B. Preoperational Stage
• C. Concrete Operational Stage
• D. Formal Operational Stage

Answer: (A)

The Sensorimotor Stage is indeed the stage characterized by the development of schemas for mental representation of objects. During this stage, which occurs from birth to approximately 2 years of age, infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and motor activities. They begin to form mental representations, or schemas, as they interact with their environment.

Infants in this stage develop an understanding that objects exist even when they cannot be seen, known as object permanence. This ability to mentally represent objects is foundational, as it leads to more complex mental processing in later stages. The development of these schemas allows children to categorize their experiences, which is crucial for cognitive growth.

In contrast, the Preoperational Stage, which follows the Sensorimotor Stage, is characterized more by symbolic thinking and language development rather than the fundamental formation of schemas based solely on sensory and motor experiences. The Concrete Operational Stage introduces logical thinking about concrete events and relationships, while the Formal Operational Stage allows for abstract thinking and reasoning. Each subsequent stage builds on the foundations laid in the Sensorimotor Stage, highlighting the importance of this initial phase in cognitive development.