Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

In which developmental stage do children begin to think logically about concrete events?

1. Preoperational

2. Concrete operations

3. Formal operations

4. Sensorimotor

The correct answer is: Concrete operations

The developmental stage where children begin to think logically about concrete events is known as the Concrete Operations stage. This stage, according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 years. During this period, children develop the ability to think logically and organize their thoughts in a structured way. They can understand the concept of conservation, classify items, and perform operations in their minds (such as addition and subtraction) with tangible objects or events in their environment. In the Concrete Operations stage, children's thinking becomes more organized and rational. However, their logical reasoning is still tied to concrete experiences and objects, rather than abstract or hypothetical situations. This ability allows them to solve problems more effectively and understand cause-and-effect relationships, which enhances their learning and interaction with the world around them. The other developmental stages described each represent different phases of cognitive growth. The Preoperational stage precedes Concrete Operations, where children engage in symbolic play and struggle with logic; the Formal Operations stage follows, marked by the ability to think abstractly and systematically; and the Sensorimotor stage occurs earlier, where infants learn about the world through their senses and actions, but lack the capacity for logical thought.