Kristi works in a day-care center. She notices that Pablo, a 4-year-old boy, often indulges in private speech when doing any activity on his own. She has heard him talking to himself when solving puzzles. Kristi believes in Piaget's theory of cognitive development in children. After seeing Pablo's behavior, Kristi is likely to assume that Pablo's usage of private speech is
A) egocentric.
B) mature
C) an important tool of thought.
D) a means of guiding one's behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CDPiaget's theory of cognitive development suggests that young children engage in egocentric speech, which they eventually grow out of as they develop. However, Vygotsky, another theorist, viewed private speech as an important tool of thought and a means of guiding one's behavior, especially in the context of solving problems. While the question mentions Piaget, the behaviors described (C and D) align more with Vygotsky's interpretations of private speech. However, from Piaget's perspective, such behavior could be seen as egocentric, reflecting the stage of development Pablo is in according to Piaget's theory.

Kristi Works in a Day-Care Center