Your textbook describes the classic conservation task in which a 5-year-old child observes equal amounts of liquid in two identical short, wide containers. The child watches as the liquid is poured from one short, wide container into a tall, thin container, and is then asked which container holds more water. How did the 5-year-old respond?
A)"The tall, thin container has more water."
B)" The short, wide container has more water."
C)"Both containers have the same amount of water."
D)"I don't know."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children at the age of 5 typically struggle with the concept of conservation—the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance. In this classic task, they often perceive the taller container as holding more water, not understanding that the amount of liquid remains unchanged when transferred.

Your Textbook Describes the Classic Conservation Task in Which a 5-Year-Old