Piaget's theory of cognitive development emphasises the importance of children's active exploration and interaction with their environment to construct their knowledge. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, on the other hand, emphasises the role of social interaction and cultural tools in shaping cognitive development. While Piaget's theory highlights the individual's independent construction of knowledge, Vygotsky's theory emphasises the role of social interaction and collaborative learning. In terms of applicability to real-world situations, Vygotsky's theory may be more relevant as it recognises the importance of social and cultural factors in cognitive development, highlighting the impact of educational and social contexts on a child's learning.