ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author provides an insight into the historical context in which Annette Karmiloff-Smith's early theoretical ideas emerged. He examines the problems encountered by Piagetian constructivism as early as the 1950s and various attempts to solve them, which enables him to sketch out the relationship that Annette had with Piaget and his close collaborators. Annette developed a neo-constructivist theory of psychological development that is distinguished by the breadth and relevance of the empirical data that feed it, as well as the accuracy and depth of the epistemological positioning that supports it. She carried out research at Centre international d’epistemologie genetique (CIEG) from 1972 to 1975 and held an assistant position in the psycholinguistic unit until 1979. She participated in the work of the CIEG from 1972 to 1975. During the first 2 years, she carried out an empirical research project with the author. In the third year, she completed two research projects alone.
