Play and Cognitive Development: Formal Operational Perspective of Piaget’s Theory

Abstract

Cognitive development is the construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving and decision making, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Play contributes to cognitive development in a number of ways. It helps children to develop imaginary and memory which is essential for thinking about past, present and future. The main purpose of the study was to find out the role of play regarding cognitive development of children. This study was quantitative in nature. Survey method was used to collect data. A sample of three hundred students was selected from both public and private sector schools of Lahore city. A five point Likert scale was used to collect data. Mean, t-test, One Way ANOVA and percentages were applied to analyze the data. The major finding of the study indicated that students feel curiosity to explore new things, new ideas by play.

Keywords: Play, Cognitive development, Formal operational stage