Suppose that you show a small boy, Finn, two bars of fresh fudge that are equal on all dimensions (exactly the same size, shape, and weight). You ask Finn if the two bars are the same, and he says, "Yes." You then cut one of the bars into 10 chunks as he watches. You are surprised when Finn now asks if he can have the cut-up bar because it has more fudge than the intact bar. This episode illustrates that Finn __________.
A) probably has an intellectual disability
B) lacks the concept of object permanence
C) is in the preoperational stage
D) is in the concrete operations stage

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Finn's behavior suggests that he is in the preoperational stage of development. At this stage, children struggle with conservation tasks, which involve understanding that changing the appearance of an object does not change its amount or quantity. Finn's belief that the cut-up bar has more fudge than the intact bar suggests that he does not yet understand this concept. This is a common limitation among children in the preoperational stage. Finn's behavior does not necessarily suggest that he has an intellectual disability or lacks object permanence, as these are separate developmental milestones.

Suppose That You Show a Small Boy, Finn, Two Bars