In the preparation stage of cognitive development, what can a child do?

The preparation stage of cognitive development, particularly as outlined by theorists like Jean Piaget, involves the development of symbols and internal thought processes. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7, children start to use language and symbols to represent objects and events in their environment. This ability allows them to engage in imaginative play and to think about concepts that aren't immediately present.

Children in this preparation stage build on their experiences and begin to understand that symbols (such as words or images) can represent real-world objects and ideas. This symbolic thinking lays the groundwork for more complex cognitive tasks, like problem-solving, but it is distinct from the ability to logically manipulate these symbols or push beyond concrete experiences into abstract thinking, which takes longer to develop.

In contrast, the other choices describe cognitive abilities that emerge in later stages of development. Developing abstract concepts and logical problem solving are characteristics more typical of the concrete operational stage, which generally starts around age seven. Seeing things for how they really are aligns more with a developing realism that progresses with age and understanding, but does not capture the specific capacity for symbol use and internal thought that defines the preparation stage.