Question

Who has developed a theory of cognitive development, which emphasizes the role of social factors and language?

• A. Lev Vygotsky
• B. Newcombe and Huttenlocher
• C. Piaget
• D. Kohlberg

Hint:

Remember the main difference: {Piaget} = The child as a lone scientist. {Vygotsky} = The child as a social apprentice. If the question mentions social interaction, culture, or language as the primary driver of development, the answer is Vygotsky.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the developmental theorist whose theory of cognitive development is primarily focused on the influence of social interaction, culture, and language.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Lev Vygotsky: His theory is known as the Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development. The central tenets of his theory are that social interaction and language are fundamental to cognitive development. Key concepts include the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which highlights learning through collaboration with more knowledgeable others, and the idea that language shapes thought. This is a perfect match.
(B) Newcombe and Huttenlocher: These are contemporary researchers known for their work on spatial development.
(C) Piaget (Jean Piaget): While Piaget acknowledged social factors, his theory is primarily constructivist, focusing on the child as an individual "scientist" who learns through direct interaction with the physical world. He did not give a central role to language or social instruction.
(D) Kohlberg (Lawrence Kohlberg): He developed a theory of moral development, which is an extension of Piaget's cognitive development theory into the moral domain.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Lev Vygotsky is the theorist who emphasized the role of social factors and language in cognitive development.