What is the difference between the cognitive constructivist theory and the information processing theory of development?

Answer 1

Without getting into a discussion of all the elements of these theories the short answer deals with how each views development. Cognitive constructivist theorist's such as Piaget, saw development occurring in stages. This is referred to as discontinuous development. Constructivist see a change in what children can do as they mature, and that this change is qualitative. Information processing theory sees development as continuous. They see the difference in the way a child responds to the world, and the way an adult responds, as a matter of amount or complexity. This theory says that infants, toddlers, children, and adults respond to the world much the same.

Answer 2

Cognitive constructivist theory emphasizes that individuals actively construct knowledge through their experiences and interactions with the environment. Information processing theory focuses on how individuals receive, process, store, and retrieve information through mental processes like attention, memory, and problem-solving. The key difference is that cognitive constructivism highlights the role of active learning and social interactions, while information processing theory emphasizes cognitive processes.