What characterizes the first stage of the cognitive model?

The first stage of the cognitive model, known as the sensorimotor stage, is characterized by sensorimotor intelligence and the child's ability to manipulate objects. During this stage, which typically occurs from birth to about 2 years old, infants learn and understand the world primarily through their senses and motor activities. They explore their environment by touching, grasping, and manipulating objects, which helps them form the foundational cognitive skills necessary for later stages of development.

This stage is crucial for developing object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. Overall, the primary focus in this stage is on practical, hands-on experiences that shape an infant's knowledge and cognitive abilities.