Which of the following is a stage in Piaget's theory?

• A. Sensorimotor
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• C. Integrity vs Despair
• D. Initiative vs Guilt

Answer: (A)

Piaget's theory describes cognitive development in stages, with the earliest being the sensorimotor stage, from birth to about age two. In this stage, infants learn about the world through what they can do and sense. They start with reflexes and gradually gain control over their actions by repeating outcomes—primary circular reactions (their own body) and secondary circular reactions (interactions with objects). Object permanence emerges, showing that unseen things still exist. As these experiences accumulate, they move from purely motor exploration to more purposeful, goal-directed behavior and later to the beginnings of mental representations, setting the stage for language and thought. The other options come from Erikson’s psychosocial theory, describing social-emotional development rather than Piaget’s cognitive progression. So the stage that fits Piaget’s framework is the sensorimotor stage.