Children in the concrete operational stage differ from those in the formal operational stage in that they are ______.
A) more likely to use metacognition to solve problems, whereas those in the formal operational stage cannot
B) unable to engage in systematic thinking to solve problems, whereas those in the formal operational stage can think systematically
C) able to attend to multiple aspects of a problem, whereas those in the formal operational stage focus their attention more specifically
D) reason cognitively in a more advanced manner than those in the formal operational stage

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children in the concrete operational stage are able to engage in systematic thinking to solve problems, but they have not yet reached the level of abstract reasoning that is characteristic of the formal operational stage. Choice A is incorrect as both stages engage in metacognitive processes. Choice C is incorrect as children in the formal operational stage are able to attend to multiple aspects of a problem. Choice D is also incorrect because formal operational thought is considered more advanced than concrete operational thought.

Children in the Concrete Operational Stage Differ from Those in the Formal