Compare the cognitive development between early childhood and middle childhood by describing any 3 cognitive differences?

1. Concrete operational thinking: In early childhood (ages 2-7), children are in the preoperational stage of cognitive development, characterized by egocentrism and lack of conservation skills. In middle childhood (ages 7-11), children enter the concrete operational stage, where they begin to understand conservation, reversibility, and classification. They are able to think logically about concrete objects and events.

2. Problem-solving skills: In early childhood, children may struggle with complex problem-solving tasks and may rely more on trial and error. In middle childhood, children develop more advanced problem-solving skills, such as the ability to use logical reasoning and systematic strategies to solve problems. They also begin to understand cause and effect relationships more effectively.

3. Metacognition: In middle childhood, children begin to develop metacognitive skills, which involve thinking about their own thinking processes. They become more aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can reflect on and monitor their own cognitive processes. This ability to think about and regulate their own thinking is a key aspect of cognitive development in middle childhood. In contrast, children in early childhood are less able to reflect on and regulate their own cognitive processes.