preoperational thinking

preoperational thinking
a type of thinking usually characteristic of children between the ages of approximately 2 and 7; it is characterized by a capability for symbolic representation but also by egocentricity and by lack of true understanding of relational terms, the principles of conservation, or the ability to arrange series of objects in order.

Demonstration of preoperational thinking. (A), A three- or four-year-old child agrees the two rows have the same number of pennies. (B), After seeing the pennies rearranged to this configuration, the child will say the top row has more pennies because it is longer.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

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