FROM CONSTRUCTIVISM TO CULTURAL COGNITION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PIAGET, VYGOTSKY, AND TOMASELLO'S THEORIES OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

This study explores the developmental theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Michael Tomasello, three seminal figures in the field of cognitive psychology. Piaget's theory of genetic epistemology emphasizes the biological stages of cognitive development, highlighting how children construct knowledge through active interaction with their environment. Vygotsky introduces a sociocultural perspective, asserting that cognitive development is fundamentally shaped by social interactions and cultural tools, particularly language. Tomasello builds upon these foundations by integrating comparative primate studies, proposing that shared intentionality and cultural learning are unique to human cognition. Through a comprehensive examination of their theories, this study compares and critiques their contributions, illuminating the evolution of developmental psychology from individualistic to more socially and culturally integrated models. The analysis underscores the significance of integrating biological, social, and cultural factors in understanding cognitive development. The conclusion reflects on the enduring impact of these theorists on contemporary psychology and suggests directions for future research that bridges their perspectives.