In Piaget's theory, the preoperational stage spans approximately which ages?

• A. Abstract mathematical reasoning
• B. Mastery of conservation
• C. Egocentrism and symbolic thinking
• D. Uses language but does not yet comprehend the mental operations of concrete logic

Answer: (D)

In this stage, children begin to use language and symbols to represent objects and ideas, but they cannot yet perform the mental operations that underlie concrete logic. This period typically lasts from about ages 2 to 7. So the description that fits best is the one stating they use language but do not yet comprehend the mental operations of concrete logic, because it captures both the symbol use and the lack of logical reasoning characteristic of this stage.

Other options point to either later abilities (abstract mathematical reasoning in the formal operational stage) or specific achievements that come after the preoperational period (mastery of conservation in the concrete operational stage), or describe related features (egocentrism and symbolic thinking) without tying them as clearly to the age range.