Which of the following concepts describes a child's inability to see another person's perspective in Piaget's theory?

Study for the SACE Stage 1 Psychology Exam. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and ensure success!

In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, egocentrism refers to a child's inability to perceive a situation from another person's perspective. This characteristic is especially evident during the preoperational stage, which occurs roughly between the ages of 2 and 7 years. During this period, children tend to view the world solely from their own experiences and cannot easily understand that others may have different thoughts, feelings, or viewpoints. For example, a child might cover their eyes and believe that because they can no longer see someone, that person cannot see them either. This limitation underscores their developmental stage, as they gradually learn to recognize and appreciate other perspectives as they mature.

The other concepts listed do not pertain to this specific aspect of cognitive development. Conservation relates to the understanding that quantity doesn't change even when its shape does, object permanence involves the awareness that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible, and trust vs. mistrust is a stage in Erikson's psychosocial development rather than a cognitive concept in Piaget's framework.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy