When Sam's mother made him a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, Sam complained that he wanted two sandwiches because he was super hungry. After his mother cut his sandwich in half, Sam was satisfied that he would have enough to eat. Sam's behavior indicates that he does not understand _____ and is probably in the _____ stage of cognitive development.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservation; preoperational. Sam's satisfaction with the sandwich being cut in half, despite the quantity of food remaining the same, indicates a lack of understanding of conservation. This concept, the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance, typically develops during the concrete operational stage. However, since Sam does not understand this concept, he is likely in the preoperational stage, which ranges from about 2 to 7 years of age.

When Sam's Mother Made Him a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for Lunch