The correct answer is based on the key characteristics of the preoperational stage, which is the second stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, occurring approximately between the ages of 2 and 7 years. During this stage, children's thinking becomes more symbolic and less reliant on physical manipulation of objects, marking significant developments in several cognitive areas.
One primary achievement is social understanding, where children begin to grasp the perspectives of others, leading to developments in social interactions and communication. They start to engage in symbolic play and use language more effectively, enhancing their ability to express thoughts and understand social cues.
Conservation refers to the understanding that certain properties of objects, such as volume or number, remain constant despite changes in form or appearance. Although children in the preoperational stage struggle with this concept, developing an awareness of conservation is crucial as they progress to later stages of cognitive development.
Theory of mind is another significant achievement during this stage, involving the ability to understand that others have their own thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives, which may differ from their own. This cognitive shift enables children to navigate social situations better and enhances their communication and emotional intelligence.
In contrast, achievements such as mathematical reasoning and physical manipulation, complex ethical reasoning, and abstract thinking about moral