Question

Match the stage of development with the thinking style characteristic of that stage: 1\. Egocentric thought a. Sensorimotor 2\. Object permanence b. Formal operational 3\. Abstract reasoning c. Preoperational 4\. Conservation; reversibility d. Concrete operational

Short answer

1. Egocentric thought (c. Preoperational), 2. Object permanence (a. Sensorimotor), 3. Abstract reasoning (b. Formal operational), 4. Conservation; reversibility (d. Concrete operational)

Step-by-step solution

Match the Sensorimotor stage

The sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development, taking place between birth and approximately 2 years of age. A key achievement in this stage is the understanding of object permanence, or knowing that an object still exists even if it is hidden. Therefore, 'Object permanence' matches with 'Sensorimotor'.

Match the Preoperational stage

The preoperational stage is the second stage of cognitive development, occurring from about 2 to 7 years of age. Children in this stage are characterized by Egocentric thought, meaning they can't see things from someone else's perspective. Therefore, 'Egocentric thought' matches with 'Preoperational'.

Match the Concrete operational stage

The concrete operational stage is the third stage of cognitive development, happening from about 7 to 11 years of age. Children in this stage are able to think logically about concrete events and understand the concept of conservation, the understanding that quantity does not change despite changes in appearance. The ability of children in this stage to understand the concept of reversibility, or the idea that objects or figures can be changed and then returned back to their original form, also falls under this category. Therefore, 'Conservation; reversibility' matches with 'Concrete operational'.

Match the Formal operational stage

The formal operational stage is the last stage of cognitive development, beginning around age 12 and continuing into adulthood. People in this stage are able to think abstractly and reason logically. Therefore, 'Abstract reasoning' matches with 'Formal operational'.

Key concepts

Sensorimotor stage

The sensorimotor stage is a fascinating period in a child's cognitive development, occurring from birth to about two years old. It's a time when the infant explores the world through their senses and motor actions such as grasping and looking.
During this stage, infants learn about the world through trial and error, using their reflexes and, eventually, coordinated actions.

Understanding Object Permanence

One of the most critical milestones during the sensorimotor stage is the development of object permanence. This is the realization that objects continue to exist, even when they're out of sight. An infant who has achieved this milestone will search for an object after it has been hidden.
A simple way to discern this developmental achievement is when a child enjoys a game of 'peek-a-boo'—they understand that you're still there, even when you're hidden. This foundational concept paves the way for further cognitive development.

Preoperational stage

The preoperational stage marks a period where children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they're not ready to undertake certain logical operations. This stage typically spans from ages 2 to 7.
During this phase, thinking is often intuitive and magical, with a focus on imagination and the world of 'pretend'.

Egocentrism: A Hallmark of Preoperational Thought

Egocentrism is a distinct characteristic of the preoperational stage. Children at this stage find it difficult to view situations from perspectives other than their own. For example, when asked to describe a scene, they will recount it only from their viewpoint, neglecting what others might see.
Understanding this concept is crucial for educators and parents to practice patience and guide children towards more diverse viewpoints and thinking through interactive and perspective-taking activities.

Concrete operational stage

The concrete operational stage happens between about 7 to 11 years of age. Children start to think logically about concrete events and have a more mature, organized pattern of thought.
They gain the ability to conserve and understand that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance, enabling them to solve practical, hands-on problems in logical manners.

Conservation and Reversibility

Conservation is the understanding, for instance, that water poured from a short, wide cup into a tall, narrow glass is the same volume, regardless of the shape of the container. Reversibility refers to a child's understanding that numbers or objects can be changed and returned to their original condition. A well-known experiment showcasing conservation involves two identical balls of clay; when one is rolled into a sausage shape, children at this stage recognize that both pieces still contain the same amount of clay.

Formal operational stage

The formal operational stage is the final chapter in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, typically beginning at age 12 and extending into adulthood. During this stage, the young person starts to think abstractly and reason about hypothetical problems.
Abstract thinking leads to more sophisticated theories about the world and the ability to problem-solve in thought, without relying on concrete manipulation.

Abstract Reasoning and Hypothetical Thinking

Abstract reasoning allows individuals in this stage to manipulate ideas in their head, without any dependence on concrete physical experiences. For example, they can understand and discuss concepts such as algebra and science, and engage in 'what-if' scenarios, considering the potential outcomes of actions without having to physically perform them. This stage brings with it a newfound form of intellectual independence and the ability to systematically plan for the future, considering a wide range of possibilities.