Sensorimotor Stage I: Substages 1 to 3

Piaget’s theory explains cognitive development in stages. Its first stage is the sensorimotor stage, which spans from one to two years.

In this stage, infants learn through sensory and motor experiences.

They gradually shift from automatic reflexes to intentional, goal-oriented actions in toddlerhood.

The first three substages of the sensorimotor stage are discussed here.

Substage 1, reflexive schemes, spans from birth to one month.

Infants explore their environment through inborn reflexes such as sucking and looking.

The second substage, primary circular reactions, spans from one to four months.

Infants begin to combine simple actions, such as reaching for an object and then sucking it.

They repeat actions, such as sucking, that create pleasant feelings in their bodies.

Lastly, substage 3, secondary circular reactions, spans from four to eight months.

Infants develop a new interest in manipulating objects and exploring their properties.

They now repeat actions to create changes in their environment, such as shaking a rattle to hear the sound.

At this point, actions are intentional but not fully goal-directed.