We discussed Piaget's theories on cognitive development. Write a reaction to each of the following questions critics have raised about Piaget.
1. Piaget's theories are based on case studies of a small population of white, middle-class children. Are the same stages true for other cultures, atypical living arrangements, and other populations? What influences do environmental factors have on these stages?
2. The sequences and chronology of Piaget are rigid. Some "normal" children are far behind these stages while others are far ahead. Can stages be skipped? What about precocious seven-year-old chess players? Shouldn't adults be capable of formal operational thinking. (if adults know that drinking and driving is dangerous, why do they do it?)
3. Piaget does not adequately describe adolescents. Should they have their own egocentric stage? They appear to understand rules, as in the formal operations stage, yet many feel that rules apply to everyone else but themselves. (Teenagers believe in using birth control, yet many do not use it themsevles.)
