In 1966, the Cognitive development theory was proposed by J. Bruner.
Bruner has contributed significantly to cognitive development.
Modes of Representation
There are three modes of representation. They are- enactive, iconic, and symbolic.
1. Enactive representation (0-1 year) Jerome Bruner explained that enactive representation mode appears first. An infant’s thinking is based on physical activity, not internal representation. This mode leads to only physical characteristics.
This mode is similar to Jean Piaget’s sensory-motor stage(the second stage of cognitive theory). In this stage of enactive, the infant is directly manipulating objects.
In later life, this mode will be applied in physical activities such as cycling, horse riding, and so on. A baby explains feeling with the help of the action process of motor skill, not others (Iconic and symbolic). And, children learn through movement or action.
2. Iconic representation( 1- 6 years) According to Bruner, information is stored as images. Iconic is a conscious process in visual sensation. The iconic stage is explained by using models and pictures. For children, pictures and models lead to support verbal explanations.
3. Symbolic representation ( 7 years onward) In this stage, information is stored in the form of symbols such as language. Symbol information is flexible and manipulated. This stage is similar to Jean Piaget’s concrete operational stage(third stage). In this stage, the influence of language on thoughts and thinking processes. The symbolic stage is also called the abstract stage. And in this stage, the use of images, symbols and makes the feeling.
Criticism of Bruner’s Cognitive Development Theory
- Bruner could not explain how cognitive development happens.
- The second mode of representation(1-6 years) is presented with the help of more gaps related to age.
- Does cognitive development work according to modes of representation?
- Bruner’s theory lacks evidence related to quantitative methods.
- Many other factors also affect cognitive development.
Development in Middle Childhood