ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What is a primary focus of children during the preoperational stage of cognitive development?

1. Logical reasoning

2. Symbolic thought and egocentrism

3. Complex problem-solving

4. Abstract thinking

The correct answer is: Symbolic thought and egocentrism

During the preoperational stage of cognitive development, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7, children primarily engage in symbolic thought and exhibit egocentrism. Symbolic thought allows children to use symbols or representations to understand and interact with the world around them. For example, they may use words, images, or pretend play to express themselves and to represent objects that are not immediately present. Egocentrism, a key characteristic of this stage, refers to the difficulty children face in seeing situations from perspectives other than their own. They tend to assume that others also see the world in the same way they do. An example of this can be seen when a child shows a doll to an adult without considering the adult's different perspective or understanding. In contrast, logical reasoning, complex problem-solving, and abstract thinking are skills that develop in subsequent stages of cognitive development, particularly in the concrete operational stage and the formal operational stage. Therefore, the emphasis on symbolic thought and egocentrism accurately reflects the cognitive abilities of children in the preoperational stage.