American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which stage of Piaget's theory involves understanding volume, mass, and number?

1. Sensorimotor stage

2. Preoperational stage

3. Concrete operational stage

4. Formal operational stage

The correct answer is: Concrete operational stage

The Concrete Operational Stage is characterized by the development of logical thinking and the ability to perform operations on concrete objects. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 years. During this time, children begin to understand the concepts of volume, mass, and number more comprehensively. They can manipulate and compare these quantities, grasp the concept of conservation (understanding that quantity doesn't change even when its shape does), and solve problems using logical reasoning rather than just intuition or perception. This marks a significant advancement in cognitive development, allowing children to think critically about their environment and more complex mathematical concepts. In contrast, the Sensorimotor Stage involves the development of motor skills and sensory exploration, focusing mainly on immediate interaction with the environment. The Preoperational Stage, occurring roughly between ages 2 and 7, is marked by symbolic thinking but lacks the ability to perform operations mentally and understand conservation concepts. The Formal Operational Stage, which begins around age 12, introduces abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning, allowing for more complex problem-solving but not directly focused on concrete concepts like volume and mass.