At what ages does the sensorimotor stage occur?

• A. Birth through 2.
• B. 2 to 7.
• C. 7 to 11.
• D. 11 to 15.

Answer: (A)

The sensorimotor stage lasts from birth through about age two. In this period, infants learn about the world by using their senses and their motor actions. Early on they rely on reflexes, but over time these reflexes become purposeful actions as they explore, manipulate objects, and gradually discover object permanence—the idea that things continue to exist even when not seen. By the end of this stage, children begin to engage in symbolic thought and pretend play, signaling the transition to the next stage. The other age ranges correspond to later stages: the preoperational stage follows from about ages 2 to 7, the concrete operational from about 7 to 11, and the formal operational from about 11 onward.