Cognitive development and the acquisition of decision-making skills

This paper sets out to examine what theory and research into cognitive deve lopment can tell tts about what types of decision-making skills we should t each at any given age. Piagetian, Information Processing, and ecological ps ychology theories of cognitive development ave discussed and empirical data is examined. It is concluded that, because of individual differences in th e rare of cognitive development, if is not possible to provide definitive c hronological ages at which different aspects of decision making should be t aught. However it is recommended that the teaching of decision making shoul d follow Piagetian stages regardless of chronological age, and that deliber ate practice is beneficial to the development of decision making skills. It is also concluded, that there is a need for much move empirical research, particularly examining individual differences and the interaction between c ognitive, socioemotional, and physical development. Finally, there is, also , a need for longitudinal studies and the use of research designs that ave ecologically valid.