ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on neo-Piagetian theories. These theories aimed to integrate the Piagetian theory with research and theory in the cognitive tradition. Specifically, they explored if a child’s developmental stage and progression across stages is related to information-processing mechanisms, such as processing speed and attention control, working memory, and executive control. The theories of Pascual-Leone, Case, and Halford are outlined and evaluated. It is concluded that none of the information-processing mechanisms fulfilled this promise. In the fashion of psychometric research relating these factors to individual differences in intelligence, each factor does have a role and is definitely part of cognitive development. However, changes in thought cannot be reduced to changes in any one of these factors alone.
