Question

Describe the similarities and differences between Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory and Vygotsky's sociocultural theory.

Answer 1

Piaget's Cognitive Developmental Theory:

Jean Piaget explained how our cognitive abilities will be developed. He explained the cognitive development of human beings in 4 series of stages. According to Jean Piaget, our interactions with our surrounded people influences our Cognitive ability lot.

Vygotsky's sociocultural theory:

Lev Vygotsky explained that our culture will show a tremendous impact on our cognitive ability. The human mind can function in many dimensions like intelligent, foolish, knowledgable, genius, stupid, etc. Our culture will decide which dimension our mind has to be taken.

Similarities between both theories:

• Both theories are explaining about the cognitive development of human beings.
• Both theories explaining human beings from childhood.
• In both cases, people are passive learners because their cognitive skills are depended on their surroundings.
• Both theories explained many ways to develop cognitive skills, While Piaget explained conservation, egocentrism, abstract thinking concepts, Vygotsky explained about Zone of Proximal Development, Scaffolding.

Differences Between both theories:

Piaget Theory	Vygotsky theory
1. He attributed his findings in his theory to all human beings around the world	1. He attributed his findings to human beings based on their culture.
2. Our way of interactions with others will play key role in cognitive ability	2. Our surrounded culture will impact our cognitive ability lot.
3. Cognitive development is a non-ending process according to Piaget	3. It is a fixed process because it depends on the culture that culture is fixed for a man/woman once they born in that culture