Which of the following is typical of the concrete operational stage, according to Piaget?

• A. Use of abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking
• B. Reliance on reflexes and sensory exploration
• C. Ability to perform mental operations on concrete objects and understand conservation of quantity
• D. Egocentric thinking and inability to take another's perspective

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall Piaget's stages of cognitive development, which include the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages.
2. Identify the key characteristics of the concrete operational stage, which typically occurs between ages 7 and 11.
3. Understand that during the concrete operational stage, children develop the ability to perform mental operations on concrete objects, such as organizing, classifying, and understanding the concept of conservation (the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance).
4. Contrast this with other stages: the sensorimotor stage involves reflexes and sensory exploration; the preoperational stage is marked by egocentric thinking and difficulty taking another's perspective; and the formal operational stage involves abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking.
5. Conclude that the typical feature of the concrete operational stage is the ability to perform mental operations on concrete objects and understand conservation of quantity.