Introduction Jean Piaget (1896 – 1980) pioneered a theory of intellectual and perceptual development that focuses on how processes such as thinking, reasoning, and problem solving problems develop starting in childhood. In particular, Piaget conceptualized his theory as spanning four significant, hierarchical age-based stages, each characterized by qualitatively different thought processes (Craig & Baucum, 2002, p. 54; Flavell, 1963, p. 1; Peterson, 2004, p. 57). Until the introduction of contemporary research methods, Piaget's theory was largely unchallenged and part of a concrete theory that was systematically applied to children based on their age (Beltman, 2009). While current perspectives regarding Piaget's theory support the sequence of development he proposed, there is a view that cognitive development can occur according to gradual trends as opposed to the abrupt transition that Piaget might have us believe (Beltman, 2009; McDevitt & Ormrod, 2010, pp. 203, 205). Furthermore, research supports that Piaget may have overestimated the cognitive abilities of adolescence, underestimating those of the pre-operational phase (Flieller; Kuhn; Amsel & O'Loughlin; Pascarella & Terenzini; Schauble, as cited in McDevitt & Ormrod, 2010, p . 203). According to Piaget, the preoperational stage (ages 2-7 years) illustrates the emergence of newly acquired cognitive abilities and the further construction of existing mental structures known as schemas. He defines the ability to represent objects and events mentally and through a rapidly expanding vocabulary (i.e., symbolic thinking) as a predominant attribute of pre-operational thinking. Piaget described this as a pre-logical stage from the adults' point of view just as children might be able to do it... half of the paper... site: http://dbs.ilectures. curtin.edu.au/ilectures/casterframe.lasso?fid=188776&cnt=true&usr=not-indicated&name=not-indicatedCraig, G., & Baucum, D. (2002). Human Development (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Flavell, J. (1963). Developmental psychology by Jean Piaget. Princeton; NJ: D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc. Ginsburg, H., & Opper, S. (1988). Piaget's theory of intellectual development. Sydney; NSW: Prentice-Hall of Australia Pty. Limited.McDevitt, T. M., & Ormrod, J. E. (2010). Child development and education (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. Peterson, C. (2004). Looking forward across the life span: Developmental psychology. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia.Wadsworth, B. (1989). Piaget's theory of cognitive and affective development (4th ed.). White Plains; New York: Longman Inc.