Discuss and evaluate with empirical evidence Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
Below you will find 1 essay question, write a 2500-word essay answering it.
I have provided some references to guide you as you start researching your essay question. This is not an exhaustive list, and of course you should look further than just these ones, but these should focus your searches.
Essay Title
Discuss and evaluate with empirical evidence Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
In this essay, you should provide a summary of Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development that includes a description of its key claims and concepts, an overview of its stages in a structured manner, followed by an evaluation that includes discussion of research that has addressed these claims and concepts. In addition, evaluation of Piaget’s theory through comparison with alternative theories and approaches to cognitive development is both valid and encouraged, though you should limit the time and space you devote to detailing the concepts and claims of these theories, beyond what is needed to highlight the strengths and limitations of Piaget’s work.
• Baillargeon, R., Buttelmann, D., & Southgate, V. (2018). Invited commentary: Interpreting failed replications of early false-belief findings: Methodological and theoretical considerations. Cognitive Development, 46, 112-124.
• Siegler, R. S. (2005). Children’s learning. American Psychologist, 60(8), 769.
How to write this essay Your essay should follow these rules:
• Examine the essay question. Make sure you are answering the question, and not just describing the material presented. For example, for question 1, stick to discussing temperament; do not start analysing cognitive development or language development. Back up your opinions/facts with cited materials. Read some original sources.
• Structure: You must structure the material in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should ‘flow’.
• Elements: You essay should have an introduction paragraph, a main body and a conclusion. These sections should all be linked.
• Each paragraph should comprise a main theme that is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
• Knowledge and Understanding – recognise, recall and show understanding on a range of materials that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
• Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. All facts MUST be cited. Evidence of independent thinking, insight and evaluation of the evidence.
• Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling and grammar. All sources referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines. Please look at the APA guideline document on moodle.
• Reference list – your essay must have a reference list at the end of the essay, which details the research cited in your essay. Your essay MUST reference peer-reviewed journal articles. You may NOT reference Wikipedia, or non-reviewed websites. These are not considered acceptable scientific references.
