New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

In the Preoperational Stage, what is a primary characteristic of children's thinking?

1. They think logically and abstractly

2. They focus on scientific reasoning

3. They are egocentric in their understanding

4. They rely entirely on physical objects

The correct answer is: They are egocentric in their understanding

In the Preoperational Stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7, a key characteristic of children's thinking is their egocentric perspective. During this developmental phase, children have difficulty understanding other people's viewpoints and tend to see the world primarily from their own perspective. This is evident in their interactions; for instance, when they assume that others perceive things exactly as they do. This egocentrism affects their cognitive processes, leading them to interpret situations and information based primarily on their own experiences and thoughts rather than considering the experiences of others. While children may have vivid imaginations and begin to engage in symbolic play, their reasoning is not yet logical or abstract, nor do they systematically apply scientific reasoning or rely solely on physical objects. Instead, their thinking is characterized by a limited understanding of others' perspectives.