Who is known for proposing the theory of cognitive development through stages?

The theory of cognitive development through stages is primarily associated with Jean Piaget. He proposed that children go through specific, sequential stages of cognitive development as they interact with their environment. His stages—sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—outline how children's thinking evolves from basic reflexes and physical interactions with the world to advanced logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Piaget's work emphasizes that cognitive development is not a continuous process but rather occurs in distinct stages where children think and understand the world differently at each stage. This landmark theory has significantly influenced educational practices and our understanding of child development, emphasizing the importance of active learning and exploration.

In contrast, the other theorists referred to focus on different aspects of development or behavior. For example, Lev Vygotsky emphasized the social and cultural influences on learning, while Sigmund Freud centered on psychosexual stages of development, and B.F. Skinner is known for operant conditioning and behaviorism. Thus, Piaget's unique focus on cognitive stages distinctly positions him as the pioneer in this area.