Neuropsychology of cognitive processes and executive functions in the light of Piaget’s theory

Jean Piaget was a Swiss philosopher, psychologist, and educator. In the first half of the 20th century, he developed a theory of human cognitive development, which remains one of the fundamental concepts in psychology to this day. The empirical foundations of its assumptions can be found in the neuronal changes accompanying the maturation of the nervous system, which occur particularly dynamically during adolescence. The aim of this article is to analyze the development of human cognitive and executive functions in the context of nervous system maturation, with particular emphasis on Piaget’s theory. The study is based on a literature review in the fields of neuropsychology and neurobiology, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, and focuses on the neural correlates of the four stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Attention is given to the role of the prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and cerebellum in shaping cognitive abilities. The development of executive functions, such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, is also discussed, along with an attempt to explain their dependence on the maturation of specific brain structures. The findings highlight the significance of dynamic neuronal changes for the unique cognitive abilities of humans and suggest directions for further research in this field. Advancing knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive development may contribute to a better understanding of educational processes, the improvement of pedagogical methods, and more effective support for the development of children and adolescents in the context of developmental psychology.