In Piaget's cognitive stage theory, what is the focus of the sensorimotor stage?

The focus of the sensorimotor stage in Piaget's cognitive development theory is primarily on the manipulation of objects and the realization of a child's separate existence from the environment. During this stage, which typically spans from birth to about 2 years, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor actions. They explore their environment by grasping, throwing, and moving objects, which helps them to develop their cognitive skills.

Through this exploration, infants come to understand that they can influence their surroundings and that objects exist independently of their interaction with them, known as object permanence. This realization is a key milestone in cognitive development, marking a child's awareness of themselves as distinct entities in the world.

The other options, such as the development of abstract thinking and complex problem-solving skills, occur in later stages of cognitive development, specifically in the formal operations stage. Similarly, symbolic function and language development emerge in the preoperational stage, which follows the sensorimotor stage. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the characteristics and focus of the sensorimotor stage.