Final answer:
Problem solving in preschool cognitive development is a pivotal part of children's burgeoning cognitive abilities, where they exhibit decision-making, understanding of time, and engage in symbolic play. The research suggests that these abilities are present at an earlier age than previously thought. Problem solving skills are honed as children grow older through logical thinking and organized thought processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Problem Solving in Preschool Cognitive Development
Problem solving in preschool children is a crucial aspect of cognitive development. During the preschool years, typically between the ages of 3 to 5, children make remarkable progress in cognitive abilities. They begin to engage in decision-making, such as selecting their clothing, and demonstrate an understanding of basic time concepts and sequencing, which contributes to their problem-solving skills. Their symbolic thinking enables them to indulge in pretend play, creating intricate characters and scenarios, hence practicing cognitive problem solving.
In accordance with Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, preschool children work on the task of initiative versus guilt. Through planning and achieving goals in interaction with others, children learn problem-solving techniques, which builds their confidence and sense of purpose. On the other hand, over-control by caregivers may impede this growth and lead to feelings of guilt.
Research by Baillargeon and others has shown that even very young children have an inherent understanding of objects and their properties, which suggests that problem solving abilities are present earlier than Piaget's stages of cognitive development suggest. As preschool children grow older and move towards middle and late childhood, their thought processes become more logical and organized, which further enhances their problem solving skills.