According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what is the age range of the 'Concrete Operational Stage'?
Detailed Explanation & Solution
📌 Core Theoretical Concept:
According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, the 'Concrete Operational Stage' spans approximately from 7 years to 11 years of age. The defining characteristic of this stage is the ability to think logically about concrete events and objects. Children in this phase master cognitive operations such as conservation, classification, seriation, and reversibility, enabling them to solve problems mentally as long as they deal with familiar physical objects. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
📊 Key Exam Points:
- Sensorimotor Stage: Birth to 2 years, characterized by learning through sensory experiences and motor actions.
- Pre-operational Stage: 2 to 7 years, marked by symbolic play, language acquisition, and egocentrism.
- Concrete Operational Stage: 7 to 11 years, where logical thinking develops strictly for concrete physical situations.
- Formal Operational Stage: 11 to 15 years and beyond, involving abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and systematic problem-solving.
📖 Theoretical Reference: Jean Piaget's stage theory posits that children construct an understanding of the world around them and experience discrepancies between what they already know and what they discover. Explore more via Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory.