Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In psychology, conservation refers to the understanding that certain physical characteristics remain unchanged even when their outward appearance changes.
Related terms
Mass Conservation: The understanding that material remains constant despite changes in its shape or arrangement.
Number Conservation: The realization that number does not change when nothing is added or taken away despite changes in arrangement or appearance.
Volume Conservation: Understanding that volume remains the same despite changes in shape or container.