Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which statement best reflects Piaget's perspective on children's cognitive development near the end of their second year of life?

1. Children begin to think in a new way due to mental representation.

2. Children have developed the ability to count objects accurately.

3. Children's thoughts are primarily influenced by adult expectations.

4. Children rely solely on their physical interactions with objects.

The correct answer is: Children rely solely on their physical interactions with objects.

The correct statement that reflects Piaget's perspective on children's cognitive development near the end of their second year of life is that children begin to think in a new way due to mental representation. In Piaget's theory, this period marks the transition from the sensorimotor stage to the preoperational stage, where children start to develop the ability to think symbolically and create mental representations of objects and events. This cognitive advancement allows them to engage in imaginative play and utilize language more effectively to express their thoughts. The development of mental representation signifies cognitive growth, as it enables children to understand the world in more complex ways rather than solely through their immediate physical experiences. Piaget noted that during this age, children also begin to demonstrate the beginnings of problem-solving skills and deferred imitation, which further supports their cognitive development. Therefore, the focus on mental representation aligns well with Piaget's views on the significant cognitive milestones children typically reach as they approach the age of two.