According to Piaget's theory, which stage of development occurs from ages zero to two and involves learning through sensation and movement?

The Sensorimotor stage, occurring from birth to around two years of age, is characterized by infants and toddlers learning about the world primarily through their senses and physical interactions with their environment. During this stage, children explore their surroundings by touching, grasping, and manipulating objects, which helps them develop an understanding of cause and effect, as well as object permanence—the awareness that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

In this stage of development, cognitive progress is closely tied to physical activity, and children learn through trial and error. This is essential for the development of more complex thought processes that will be built upon in later stages of Piaget's theory. The focus on sensation and movement distinguishes the Sensorimotor stage from those that follow, where children start to engage in symbolic thought and more logical operations. Understanding this foundational stage is vital for those studying development, as it lays the groundwork for future cognitive development.