Final answer:
Piaget's sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development. It involves learning through senses and motor behavior, intentional/means-end behavior, circular reactions, and the development of object permanence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which lasts from birth to about 2 years old. During this stage, children learn about the world through their senses and motor behavior. They engage in intentional/means-end behavior, which involves using a particular behavior to achieve a desired outcome.
An example of this is when a child picks up a toy and shakes it to make a sound. Another major feature of this stage is circular reactions, which are repetitive actions that children perform while exploring their environment. These circular reactions help them gain a better understanding of cause and effect relationships.
Lastly, the sensorimotor stage is characterized by the development of object permanence, which is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. Young infants initially lack object permanence and act as if a hidden object no longer exists. However, between 5 and 8 months old, they start to develop this understanding.