Piaget identified this stage as a period when children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they don’t yet understand concrete logic. Egocentrism and lack of conservation are key characteristics.

Vygotsky emphasized the importance of social interaction in learning. The ZPD is the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

Erikson believed that during adolescence, individuals explore their personal identity. Success leads to a strong sense of self, while failure results in confusion about one’s role in society.