What is a key feature of the concrete-operational stage?

A key feature of the concrete-operational stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, is the development of logical thinking and understanding relationships. During this stage, children begin to think systematically and can perform operations on concrete objects. They gain the ability to classify items, understand the concept of conservation (the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance), and solve problems in a more logical manner.

Children can also understand the relationships between objects and events, allowing them to formulate strategies for solving problems. This stage marks a significant advancement in cognitive development compared to the previous preoperational stage, where thinking is more intuitive and less logical.

In this context, while elements like abstract reasoning and egocentric thought processes are more characteristic of other developmental stages—such as formal operational and preoperational stages respectively—logical thinking plays a central role in the concrete-operational stage, highlighting children's growing cognitive abilities and their capacity to interact with the world in a more organized and rational way.