Abstract
The chapter focuses on cognitive developmental theories which address the emerging nature of concept formation, reasoning, planning, and problem solving, and the increasingly complex structures that support changing and flexible capacities for thinking about multidimensional problems with probabilistic outcomes. This chapter summarizes the work of Jean Piaget and the extension of his ideas among neo-Piagetian theorists including Deanna Kuhn, Paul Klacziynski, and Robbie Case. The following key concepts are explained: equilibrium, schemes, organization, adaptation, stages of development, and egocentrism. The stage of Formal Operational Reasoning and elaboration of cognitive capacities in adolescence are described in detail. Application of these theories to moral reasoning, social reasoning, metacognition, and educational initiatives are discussed. Experimental approaches and paper and pencil measures of cognitive reasoning are described. The strengths and limitations of cognitive developmental theories are reviewed.
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