What are some characteristics of the sensorimotor stage?

The sensorimotor stage is characterized primarily by exploration through senses and motor skills, which is essential for infants as they learn about the world around them. During this stage, typically occurring from birth to approximately two years of age, children engage with their environment in very direct ways. They learn about objects by manipulating them, using their hands and mouths to explore textures, shapes, and sounds. This sensory and motor exploration is crucial for developing foundational cognitive skills.

In contrast to the various characteristics outlined in the other options, the sensorimotor stage does not involve logical reasoning or abstract thinking, which are seen in later stages of development. Similarly, symbolic thought and egocentric reasoning emerge later, in the preoperational stage, where children begin to understand symbols and engage in imaginative play. Complex problem-solving and hypothetical thinking are characteristics of the formal operational stage, which follows the concrete operational stage and involves more advanced cognitive processes. Thus, the essence of the sensorimotor stage lies in the basic exploration of the environment through direct sensory and motor experiences.