Final answer:
Child development theories by Piaget and Vygotsky differ in that Piaget's cognitive stages are discontinuous while Vygotsky's sociocultural approach highlights continuous social interaction and cultural influence; modern research integrates both perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the perspectives of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and modern researchers, a child's mind develops through different processes and interactions with the environment. Jean Piaget proposed a theory of cognitive development that unfolds in four stages, characterized by changes in how children think and reason. These stages are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Piaget's stages suggest that cognitive abilities develop in a discontinuous manner, each stage bringing a distinct shift in cognitive abilities. On the other hand, Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural background in cognitive development. Social interactions, language, and cultural tools are seen as the building blocks for development, with a strong emphasis on the continuous, collaborative process of learning.
Today's researchers build upon these theories, viewing development as a complex interplay of biological, social, and cultural factors. Modern viewpoints often consider both the continuous and discontinuous aspects of cognitive development, incorporating the progressive refinement of abilities and the acquisition of new skills at various milestones.