During a conservation-of-liquid task, when asked why he thinks there is more water in the taller glass, 5-year-old Gus points out that the water level is higher in the taller glass than in the shorter glass but neglects to mention that this change in height is compensated by changes in width. This example demonstrates a limitation of preoperational thought known as
A) centration.
B) seriation.
C) transductive reasoning.
D) irreversibility.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gus is focusing only on one aspect of the situation, the height of the water level, and neglecting the fact that the width of the glasses also affects the amount of water they hold. This is an example of centration, which is a limitation of preoperational thought in which children focus on only one aspect of a situation and ignore other relevant aspects.

During a Conservation-Of-Liquid Task, When Asked Why He Thinks There