According to Piaget, the age range of the substage 'mental representation', of the sensory motor stage is :

Question

Accepted Answer

According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, the sensory motor stage is the first stage, occurring from birth to approximately 2 years of age. This stage is characterized by the development of a child's understanding of the world through their sensory experiences and motor activities. Within this stage, Piaget identified several substages, with the final substage being the 'mental representation' substage.

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (18 months to 2 years):**
   - The 'mental representation' substage, also known as the sixth substage of the sensory motor stage, occurs from approximately 18 months to 2 years of age. During this period, children begin to develop the ability to form mental representations of objects and events. This means they can think about things that are not immediately present and can engage in symbolic play and deferred imitation. This ability marks a significant cognitive advancement, as it allows children to solve problems mentally rather than through trial and error.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (Birth to 1 month):** This period corresponds to the first substage of the sensory motor stage, known as the 'reflexive schemes' substage. During this time, infants primarily rely on innate reflexes such as sucking and grasping. They do not yet have the capacity for mental representation.
   - **Option 2 (4 to 8 months):** This age range falls within the 'secondary circular reactions' substage, where infants begin to repeat actions that produce interesting effects in their environment. However, they still lack the ability to form mental representations and are focused on immediate sensory and motor experiences.
   - **Option 3 (8 to 12 months):** This period is associated with the 'coordination of secondary circular reactions' substage. Infants start to show intentionality in their actions, but they are still developing the ability to think about objects and events that are not directly in front of them. Mental representation is not yet fully developed.

In summary, Option 4 is correct because it aligns with Piaget's identification of the 'mental representation' substage occurring from 18 months to 2 years, marking a crucial development in a child's cognitive abilities.