Jessica is 10 years old. She is most likely unable to:

• A. Follow rules in games and understand fairness
• B. Understand the concept of conservation
• C. Think abstractly about hypothetical situations
• D. Classify objects according to multiple features

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the developmental stage Jessica is in based on her age. At 10 years old, she is typically in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
2. Recall the key characteristics of the concrete operational stage, which include the ability to understand conservation, classify objects by multiple features, and follow rules in games with a sense of fairness.
3. Understand that abstract thinking and reasoning about hypothetical situations are abilities that develop later, during the formal operational stage, which usually begins around age 11 or older.
4. Compare the options given in the problem to the abilities typical of the concrete operational stage to determine which ability Jessica is most likely unable to perform.
5. Conclude that since Jessica is 10 and in the concrete operational stage, she is most likely unable to think abstractly about hypothetical situations, which aligns with the formal operational stage development.