One of the criticisms of the cognitive approach to personality is that many of the concepts introduced by cognitive theorists may not be necessary to explain human behavior. This criticism refers to the

law of parsimony

Explanation:

Cognitive development can be defined as the development of thought processes, skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities from infancy through adulthood.

Jean Piaget was a developmental biologist and psychologist who worked extensively on cognitive development in infants and teenagers; these are judgement, knowledge and thoughts.

Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development in an ascending order are;

I. Sensorimotor: this is between 0 - 2 years (18 - 24 months) where the child exhibits object permanence.

II. Preoperational: this is age 2 - 7 years where the child acts in an egocentric manner.

III. Concrete operational: this is age 7 through age 11 and the child thinks logically at this stage.

IV. Formal operational: this is from adolescence (11 years) through adulthood and focuses on logically thinking about abstractions.

A major criticism of the cognitive approach to personality is the idea that many of the concepts introduced by cognitive theorists with respect to cognitive development may not be necessary (required) to explain human behavior. Thus, this criticism refers to the law of parsimony.

Law of parsimony can be defined as a scientific principle which states that all things being equal (ceteris paribus), the best explanation is one that requires making the simplest, fewest, or least possible assumptions about an observation or situation. Thus, it suggests that the simplest explanation of a phenomenon, observation or situation should be the most preferred.

In conclusion, the law of parsimony suggests seeking clarity about a phenomenon, observation or situation through a simplistic point of view (perspective).