ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What age range does the concrete operations stage of cognitive development encompass?

1. 0-2 years

2. 2-7 years

3. 7-11 years

4. 11-14 years

The correct answer is: 7-11 years

The concrete operations stage of cognitive development, as proposed by Jean Piaget, typically encompasses the age range from 7 to 11 years. During this stage, children begin to think logically about concrete events. They gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation—the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance. Additionally, children in this stage can categorize objects and understand the perspectives of others, leading to improved problem-solving skills. This developmental phase marks a significant transition from the preoperational stage, in which children think more intuitively and less logically. Understanding these cognitive milestones is crucial for social work professionals when assessing and interacting with children in these age groups.