AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The preoperational period is divided into two stages: The Symbolic Function Substage occurs between 2 and 4 years of age and is characterized by the child being able to mentally represent an object that is not present and a dependence on perception in problem solving.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cognitive development refers to reasoning, thinking, and understanding. Cognitive development is important for knowledge growth. In preschool and kindergarten, children are learning questioning, spatial relationships, problem-solving, imitation, memory, number sense, classification, and symbolic play.

Detailed explanation-3: -Characteristics of the Preoperational Stage During the preoperational stage, children also become increasingly adept at using symbols, as evidenced by the increase in playing and pretending.

Detailed explanation-4: -Piaget’s stage that coincides with early childhood is the preoperational stage. According to Piaget, this stage occurs from the age of 2 to 7 years. In the preoperational stage, children use symbols to represent words, images, and ideas, which is why children in this stage engage in pretend play.

Detailed explanation-5: -Sensorimotor stage (0–2 years old) Preoperational stage (2–7 years old) Concrete operational stage (7–11 years old) Formal operational stage (11 years old through adulthood)