characterized by 7 types of conservation: number, length, liquid, mass, weight, area, volume. Intelligence is demonstrated through logical and systematic manipulation of symbols related to concrete objects. Operational thinking develops (mental actions that are reversible). Objects can be classified according to several features and can be ordered along a single dimension. Egocentric thought diminishes.
The formal operational stage (11 years +) is demonstrated through the logical use of symbols related to abstract concepts. Hypotheses can be tested systematically. The hypothetical becomes a concern. Many people do not think formally during adulthood.
For this experiment three children ages 5 û 8 years and three children ages 9 û 15 years were chosen from classrooms to perform Piaget activities. The younger children performed the conservation of substance activity and the adolescents performed the combinatorial thinking activity. The children's responses and the researcher's observations were recorded during the activity process.
The sample included three 5 û 8 year-olds: Jasmine, age 6, female, attends Grade 1 at Sharp School, Camden, N.J.; Kelechi, age 5, male, attends Grade K at Sharp School, Camden, N.J.; and Camellya, age 8, female, attends Grade 3 at Sharp School, Camden, N.J.
The sample also included three 9 û 15 year-olds: Yahmnire, age 9, male, attends Grade 4 at Washington School, Camden, N.J.; Levan, age 14, male, attends Grade 9 at Woodrow Wilson High School, Camden, N.J.; and Preston, age 12, male, attends Grade 7 at Veterans Memorial Middle School, Camden, N.J.
The 5-8 year-olds performed the conservation of substance activity. Conservation is defined as: the understanding that certain physical characteristics of objects remain the same, even when their outward appearance changes.
The 9-12 year-olds performed the combinatorial thinking activity. Combinatorial thinking, associated w...