According to Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of development, which of the following statements is most appropriate and scientifically valid regarding the role of 'private speech' in children's cognitive development?

According to Lev Vygotsky, private speech is a stage where children talk aloud to themselves to regulate their behavior and thinking (self-regulation). Contrary to Piaget's view of 'egocentric speech', Vygotsky considered private speech an important tool that empowers children's cognitive development and problem-solving abilities, which later transforms into inner speech.