Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

At what age does a child typically master the concept of conservation?

1. 4 years

2. 6 years

3. 8 years

4. 12 years

The correct answer is: 8 years

The concept of conservation, which refers to the understanding that certain properties of an object remain the same despite changes in the object's form or appearance, typically develops during the concrete operational stage of cognitive development as described by Jean Piaget. This stage usually spans from around 7 to 11 years of age. At 6 years of age, children may begin to grasp some elements of conservation but often do not fully understand that the quantity or volume remains unchanged despite changes in shape or appearance. By the age of 8, most children have a more robust understanding of conservation, as they are more adept at reasoning logically and can consider multiple aspects of objects simultaneously. Thus, the mastery of conservation is generally observed around 8 years of age, marking a significant cognitive milestone in a child's development.