CLEP Introductory Psychology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The first stage of Piaget's theory of cognitive development is the sensory motor stage. This stage occurs during the first two years of life and is characterized by infants' exploration of the world through their senses and actions. They learn to coordinate their movements and develop object permanence. The other options listed are incorrect because they are all later stages in Piaget's theory. The formal operational stage occurs during adolescence and is marked by abstract thinking and problem-solving. The pre-operational stage occurs during early childhood and is marked by an increase in symbolic thinking and language development. The concrete operational stage occurs during middle childhood and is characterized by increased logical thinking and the ability to understand complex relationships. Therefore, none of these options accurately represent the first stage of Piaget's theory, making A the correct answer.