Bonnie is a preschooler whose father works outside the home and whose mother stays home with her. On learning that her friend's mother works outside the home, Bonnie is confused because she believes that only fathers work outside the home. Piaget would say that Bonnie is in a state of
A) chaos.
B) maladjustment.
C) disequilibrium.
D) dissimilation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, disequilibrium occurs when a person experiences a conflict between their existing schema (mental framework) and new information or experiences. Bonnie's belief that only fathers work outside the home is challenged by the realization that her friend's mother also works outside the home, leading to a state of disequilibrium.

Bonnie Is a Preschooler Whose Father Works Outside the Home