What does the preoperational cognitive development stage state according to Jean Piaget?

The preoperational cognitive development stage, according to Jean Piaget, is the second stage of cognitive development in children, typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. During this stage, children begin to develop symbolic thinking and language skills, but they still lack the ability to think logically or understand concrete concepts. They are also egocentric, meaning they have difficulty seeing things from another person's perspective.

Piaget believed that children in the preoperational stage are unable to perform mental operations, such as conservation (understanding that quantity remains the same even when the appearance changes) or reversibility (understanding that actions can be undone or reversed). Instead, they rely on intuition and perception to understand the world around them.

Overall, the preoperational stage is characterized by rapid language development, imaginative play, and the ability to use symbols and representational thought. Children in this stage are also beginning to develop a sense of self and an understanding of their own emotions.

The preoperational cognitive development stage, according to Jean Piaget, is characterized by the child's ability to think symbolically and use language. However, the child's thinking is still egocentric and they have difficulty understanding the perspectives of others. The child is also unable to perform logical operations and cannot conserve quantity.