Concrete Operational Stage

Definition

This is a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, typically occurring between the ages of 7 and 11, where children begin to think logically about concrete events but struggle with abstract concepts.

Theoretical Perspectives

The Concrete Operational Stage is a concept from Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, indicating the period (typically ages 7-12) where children develop logical but not yet abstract thinking.

Study And Research Findings

Piaget’s observations of his own children and other kids led to identifying conservation, seriation, and classification as key milestones reached during this stage. Subsequent research has refined our understanding of these capabilities.

Related terms

Conservation:

The understanding that certain properties remain constant despite changes in form or arrangement. For example, realizing that water poured from a short wide glass into a tall thin one is still the same amount of water.

Classification: The ability to group objects based on common features. Like sorting blocks by color or shape.

Reversibility: Understanding that actions can be reversed, returning to the original state. For instance, knowing that if you unpeel a banana, you cannot put the peel back on again.