FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

At what age does the sensorimotor stage of development conclude?

1. 2 years

2. 7 years

3. 11 years

4. 14 years

The correct answer is: 2 years

The sensorimotor stage of development, according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, typically concludes around the age of 2 years. During this initial stage, which spans from birth to approximately 2 years, infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and movements. They develop foundational cognitive skills, including the understanding of object permanence—the realization that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. As children approach the age of 2, they begin to transition into the next stage, the preoperational stage, where symbolic thinking and the use of language become prominent. Recognizing this transition is essential for understanding children's cognitive development and the progression of their learning abilities.