69. Rebecca reads a book describing what life would be like without the wheel. She finds the book interesting, and she thinks of many ways her life would be different had the wheel never been invented. According to Jean Piaget, which stage of development is Rebecca most likely in?
Answer: D
Rebecca is most likely in the Formal operational stage of development.
In this stage, individuals can think abstractly and reason logically about hypothetical situations. Rebecca's ability to consider how her life would differ without the wheel demonstrates advanced cognitive processes characteristic of the Formal operational stage.
A) Sensorimotor
This stage occurs from birth to about 2 years old and is characterized by learning through sensory experiences and motor actions. Since Rebecca is reading and reflecting on abstract concepts, she is far beyond the Sensorimotor stage.
B) Preoperational
The Preoperational stage, which spans ages 2 to 7, is marked by the development of language and symbolic thinking, but it lacks logical reasoning capabilities. Rebecca's contemplation of alternative life scenarios indicates a level of reasoning that exceeds the limitations of the Preoperational stage.
C) Concrete operational
In the Concrete operational stage, from ages 7 to 11, children begin to think logically about concrete events but still struggle with abstract concepts. Rebecca's ability to envision life without the wheel reflects a capacity for abstract thought that is not present in the Concrete operational stage.
D) Formal operational
The Formal operational stage, beginning around age 12, allows for abstract thinking and the ability to engage in hypothetical reasoning. Rebecca's reflections on the implications of a world without the wheel illustrate her advanced cognitive abilities typical of this stage.
Conclusion
Rebecca's consideration of life without the wheel exemplifies the abstract reasoning characteristic of the Formal operational stage. The other options—Sensorimotor, Preoperational, and Concrete operational—do not account for her ability to engage in hypothetical thinking, which is essential for understanding the consequences of such a significant invention. Thus, D is the correct answer.