65. Based on Piaget's theory, which of the following indicates that a child has shifted from the concrete operational stage to the formal operational stage?
Answer: B
The child is able to develop hypotheses and systematically conclude which is the best path to follow in solving a problem.
This statement reflects the cognitive abilities associated with the formal operational stage of Piaget's theory, where a child can think abstractly, reason logically, and formulate hypotheses.
A) The child is able to understand that numbers or objects can be changed and then returned to their original states.
This statement describes a characteristic of the concrete operational stage, where children understand conservation. However, it does not indicate a shift to the formal operational stage, which involves more complex reasoning.
B) The child is able to develop hypotheses and systematically conclude which is the best path to follow in solving a problem.
This statement is correct as it exemplifies the capabilities of the formal operational stage. Children begin to think abstractly and engage in deductive reasoning, allowing them to formulate and test hypotheses systematically.
C) The child is able to understand that the quantity, length, or number of items is unrelated to the arrangement or appearance of the items.
This statement also pertains to the concrete operational stage, where children grasp the principle of conservation. While important, it does not indicate a transition to the formal operational stage.
D) The child is able to name and identify sets of objects according to appearance, size, or other characteristics, including the idea that one set of objects can include another.
This describes skills developed during the concrete operational stage, where children can classify and categorize objects based on their properties. It does not reflect the abstract reasoning required for the formal operational stage.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively correct as it highlights the advanced cognitive abilities that emerge in the formal operational stage, contrasting with the other options that are rooted in the concrete operational stage. Understanding and applying abstract reasoning and hypothesis testing are crucial indicators of this developmental transition.