According to Piaget's Cognitive Developmental Theory, cognitive development can best be described as which of the following?

• A. A continuous and gradual process without distinct stages
• B. A series of distinct, universal stages that children progress through in a fixed order
• C. A result of social interactions and cultural tools as the primary drivers of development
• D. A process determined solely by genetic inheritance with little influence from the environment

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Piaget's Cognitive Developmental Theory focuses on how children's thinking evolves over time through specific stages.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Piaget proposed development occurs in a series of distinct stages, each characterized by different cognitive abilities.
3. Step 3: Note that these stages are universal, meaning all children progress through them in the same fixed order regardless of culture.
4. Step 4: Differentiate Piaget's theory from other perspectives that emphasize continuous development or social and cultural influences as primary drivers.
5. Step 5: Conclude that according to Piaget, cognitive development is best described as a series of distinct, universal stages that children progress through in a fixed order.