FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What stage comes after the Preoperational Stage in Piaget's Theory?

1. Concrete Operational Stage

2. Formal Operational Stage

3. Sensorimotor Stage

4. Developmental Stage

The correct answer is: Concrete Operational Stage

In Piaget's Theory of cognitive development, the Preoperational Stage is followed by the Concrete Operational Stage. This transition typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 years. During the Concrete Operational Stage, children begin to think logically about concrete events and gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation—the idea that quantity does not change even when its shape does. Children in this stage can also classify objects and understand the concept of reversibility, which means they can recognize that actions can be reversed. This stage marks a significant advancement in a child's cognitive abilities as they become less egocentric, able to consider multiple aspects of a situation, and understand the perspectives of others. Understanding this sequence in cognitive development is crucial for educators and psychologists, as it informs strategies for teaching and fostering cognitive growth in children at different developmental stages.