Cognitive Development

Abstract

The papers in this section reflect the strong influence that Piaget has had on theory and research in the area of cognitive development. Many of the issues discussed in this section are in response to Piagetian theory and its implications for instruction. Oléron begins his invited address by providing an overview of what is meant by a cognitive skill; he then points out that most psychological research on cognitive skill development has focused on material objects and logical systems while largely ignoring the larger social and psychological world in which the child develops. In the context of his discussion of intellectual development, Oléron discusses problems with Piagetian theory and the need to consider functional aspects of development which may not fit within formal logical systems. Oléron also presents a discussion of the importance of psychological and social competence within a theory of cognitive development.