Developmental psychology after Piaget: an approach in terms of symbolization

Abstract While many of Piaget’s contributions have already been assimilated into developmental psychology, certain limitations in his approach have become evident. Piaget’s emphasis on logical-rational thought and his correlative neglect of the vehicles by which knowledge is carried point up the need for a new, postPiagetian perspective. An approach to cognitive development which builds upon certain of Piaget’s assumptions and methods but which takes into account the specific characteristics of diverse symbol systems and media is outlined here. Such an approach may account for a number of phenomena left unexplained by Piaget, integrate diverse strands of research, and suggest certain promising new lines of investigation.