ASWB Practice Question: Preoperational Stage Answer and Rationale

Yesterday we discussed Piaget’s Preoperational stage of development, including a FREE ASWB practice question to help you get prepared for your LMSW and LCSW exams. Did you get it right?

ASWB Practice Question:

Each of the following is characteristic of the preoperational stage of development EXCEPT:

A. The child develops object permanence

B. The child uses symbolic function 

C. The child can solve problems mentally

D. The child engages in symbolic play

The correct answer is A. By the time children reach the Preoperational stage, they have already developed permanence.

• Children develop object permanence (A) during the Sensorimotor stage, so it is already well developed by the Preoperational stage. Object permanence is what allows the child to recognize that objects continue to exist even when the child cannot see them. For example, if you hide a toy behind your back, the child understands that the toy hasn't disappeared; rather, the toy is behind your back.
• Children develop and use symbolic function (B) during the Preoperational stage, learning to use and represent objects through the use of words and language.
• Children in the Preoperational stage of development develop the ability to solve problems mentally (C).
• During the Preoperational stage of development, children engage in symbolic play (D). For example, children “play pretend” during this stage of development. Children begin pretending to be people they aren't, such as teachers, mommies or daddies, superheroes, etc. They also begin to use objects as props that symbolize real life objects. While playing, for example, a child may pretend they are a teacher and use their stuffed animals and dolls as the students they are teaching.

ASWB Exam Preparation

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