Cognitive Development - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Claire Neeson

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Cognitive Development refers to the progression of mental abilities and processes related to thinking, reasoning, and understanding as a person grows. In the context of GCSE Psychology, it involves studying how children's thinking skills evolve through various stages, as proposed by theorists such as Jean Piaget. This development includes abilities such as problem-solving, memory, and the capacity to grasp complex concepts. It provides insight into how students learn, process information, and solve problems from childhood through adolescence, influencing their educational experiences and social interactions. Understanding cognitive development helps in recognising the ways in which these mental processes impact behaviour and learning in various environments.

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Claire Neeson

Reviewer: Claire Neeson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.

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