NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What is a key characteristic of the Preoperational Stage in Cognitivist Theory?

1. Logical thinking

2. Symbolic representation

3. Abstract reasoning

4. Problem-solving skills

The correct answer is: Symbolic representation

The Preoperational Stage, as described in Cognitivist Theory, is characterized primarily by the use of symbolic representation. During this stage, which typically occurs from ages two to seven, children begin to engage in imaginative play and use symbols to represent objects and events. This development allows them to think about things that are not immediately present, such as using a stick as a sword or a box as a car. While logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving skills begin to emerge in later stages, such as the Concrete Operational Stage and the Formal Operational Stage, they are not central features of the Preoperational Stage. Children in this stage may struggle with understanding the concept of conservation and are often egocentric in their thinking, focusing primarily on their own perspective. Thus, symbolic representation is crucial because it highlights how children at this stage shift from a reliance on concrete experiences to a more imaginative and representational form of thinking.