What term does Piaget use to describe the phenomenon where an individual has a higher cognitive skill level in one area than in another?

The term used by Piaget to describe the phenomenon where an individual exhibits a higher cognitive skill level in one area than in another is horizontal decalage. This concept illustrates that cognitive development does not always occur uniformly across different domains. For example, a child might demonstrate advanced understanding of conservation in one type of task but struggle with another that requires similar reasoning skills. Horizontal decalage reflects the idea that while certain cognitive abilities may develop simultaneously, their emergence can be uneven based on various factors, including context and the specific type of knowledge being applied. This concept underscores the complexity of cognitive development as children build their understanding in specific areas across different stages and tasks.