What is a key characteristic of the cognitive development stage according to Piaget?

A key characteristic of Piaget's theory of cognitive development is the idea that children progress through a series of distinct stages in a sequential manner. These stages—sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—represent different ways of thinking and understanding the world as children mature. Each stage builds on the previous one, suggesting that cognitive development is a structured process of growth rather than a random or chaotic development.

This sequential nature implies that children cannot skip stages; they must develop the cognitive capabilities associated with each before moving on to the next. This concept highlights how children's thinking evolves, reinforcing the view that their cognitive abilities become more complex over time. Through experiences and interactions with the environment, they acquire skills and knowledge that are characteristic of specific developmental stages, illustrating the systematic nature of cognitive development outlined by Piaget.