FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to Piaget, at what age are most children capable of logical thinking?

1. 5

2. 6

3. 8

4. 10

The correct answer is: 8

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development outlines distinct stages through which children progress as they grow. The stage during which children begin to demonstrate logical thinking is known as the concrete operational stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11. This development allows children to think logically about concrete events, understand the concept of conservation, and manipulate objects mentally. Identifying the age at which most children can effectively engage in logical thinking aligns with the typical onset of the concrete operational stage. Thus, the age of 8 is generally considered representative of when many children are beginning to exhibit these logical thinking capabilities, fitting well within this developmental framework. This stage is essential for their ability to perform operations in a more organized way, allowing them to solve problems more effectively than in earlier stages.