Dual Representation

 

Viewing a symbolic object as both an object in its own right and a symbol.  

 

Video: The boy in the video on the left is able to use the box to help guide him in putting together a puzzle which showcases dual representation in this 4-5 year old.

 

(Berk, 2013, p. 177)

 

Make-Believe Play

 

Make-believe play is another example of the development of representation in early childhood.  

 

Video:  The video to the left shows me engaging in make-believe play with my dad when I was around 3-4 years old.

(Berk, 2013, p. 175)

Limitations

There are several limitations of this stage:
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Egocentrism: Failure to distinguish others' symbolic viewpoints from one's own.

 

Animistic Thinking: The belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities such as thoughts, wishes, feelings and intentions.

 

Lacking Conservation: Refers to the idea that certain physical characteristics of objects remain the same, even when their outward appearance changes.

 

Lacking Hierarchical Classification: Hierarchical classification is the organization of objects into classes and subclasses on the basis of similarities and differences.  Children in this stage have difficulty doing this.  

 

Video:  The video to the left shows how children in the preoperational stage respond egocentrically.  This child reflects using his own vantage point even when asked to think of it from another person's vantage point.

 

(Berk, 2013, p. 177-178)

 

Piaget:

Preoperational Stage