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.
At this stage, individuals like Rebecca can think abstractly and reason logically, which allows her to consider hypothetical situations such as life without the wheel.
A) Sensorimotor
The Sensorimotor stage occurs from birth to about age two, where infants learn through their senses and actions. Since Rebecca is reading and contemplating abstract ideas, she has clearly moved beyond this foundational stage.
B) Preoperational
In the Preoperational stage, typically occurring from ages two to seven, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they do not yet understand concrete logic. Rebecca's ability to think about life without the wheel indicates she has developed more advanced reasoning skills than those typical of this stage.
C) Concrete operational
The Concrete operational stage, which spans ages seven to eleven, is characterized by logical thinking about concrete events but not yet about abstract concepts. Since Rebecca is contemplating hypothetical scenarios, she is functioning at a level beyond concrete operations.
D) Formal operational
The Formal operational stage, beginning around age twelve, allows individuals to think abstractly, reason logically, and consider hypothetical situations. Rebecca's interest in the implications of life without the wheel demonstrates that she is capable of this level of abstract thinking.
Conclusion
Rebecca's ability to engage with complex, hypothetical concepts signifies that she is in the Formal operational stage of development. The other options represent earlier stages where abstract reasoning is not fully developed, thus confirming that D is the only suitable choice based on her cognitive abilities.