What term is used for developmentalists who largely agree with Piaget but argue for significant modifications to his theories?

The term "Neo-Piagetians" refers to developmentalists who build upon and modify Piaget's foundational theories of cognitive development while recognizing the validity of his core concepts. They appreciate Piaget’s insights about the stages of cognitive development and the processes of assimilation and accommodation, but they also believe that his theories do not fully account for certain aspects of cognitive growth.

Neo-Piagetians typically focus on the role of information processing and how cognitive abilities evolve through more gradual changes rather than distinct stages. They argue for the incorporation of cognitive psychology's advancements and place more emphasis on the social and cultural contexts that influence learning. This perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive development that aligns with contemporary research insights.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not specifically capture the nuanced agreement and modification of Piaget's theories. For example, "Post-Piagetians" might imply a complete departure from Piaget's ideas, rather than modification. "Alternative constructivists" and "Modern theorists" may lack specificity regarding their relationship to Piaget's contributions, not necessarily indicating an agreement or a focused modification approach. Thus, "Neo-Piagetians" accurately describes this group of developmentalists seeking to enhance Piaget’s ideas rather than abandon them