Final answer:
Max is exhibiting animism by attributing intent to an inanimate object, a characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Max, age five, attributes the action of tripping over a rock to the rock itself, suggesting that it acted with intent. This is an example of animism, a feature of the preoperational stage of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget's theory. In the preoperational stage, which occurs roughly between ages 2 and 7, children often ascribe life and intention to inanimate objects. They can use symbols and engage in pretend play but lack the logic to understand complex adult concepts like conservation. They also exhibit egocentrism, meaning they find it challenging to see things from another's perspective. However, in Max's situation, he is expressing animism, not egocentrism, object permanence, or conservation.