How does Vygotsky's theory differ from Piaget's?

Vygotsky's theory is distinguished from Piaget’s primarily by its emphasis on the role of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development. Vygotsky posited that cognitive abilities are largely shaped by social interactions and the cultural tools present in one’s environment. This positions learning as a collaborative process, where knowledge is co-constructed through dialogue and shared experiences.

In contrast to Piaget's stages of cognitive development, which focus on inherent cognitive processes and individual maturation, Vygotsky's framework highlights the significance of social influences and the cultural context in shaping thought processes. This social constructivist approach asserts that cognitive development cannot be fully understood without considering the social environments in which learning occurs.

The other answer options do not accurately represent Vygotsky's theory. For instance, focusing solely on individual cognitive development does not capture his view of the interplay between individuals and their social environments. A rigid structure of cognitive stages is also more reflective of Piaget's theory than Vygotsky’s dynamic and fluid conception of development. Lastly, language plays a crucial role in Vygotsky's theory, as he believed that language is a primary tool for cognitive development and social interaction, making it an integral aspect of his framework.