Final answer:
During the concrete operational stage (7-11 years), children gain the ability to think logically about concrete events, develop a better understanding of conservation, and can perform basic mathematical operations. However, they do not yet have the ability for abstract thinking about hypothetical situations or ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)
The concrete operational stage is the third stage of Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which spans from ages 7 to 11. During this stage, children develop the ability to think logically about concrete events. They gain a better understanding of conservation, which means they recognize that changing the shape or appearance of an object does not change its mass, volume, or number, assuming nothing is added or removed. An example of this is when a child realizes that water poured from one glass to another of a different shape still has the same amount of water.
Furthermore, children at this stage can perform basic mathematical operations like addition and subtraction, understanding that these operations are reversible—recognizing, for instance, that addition can be undone by subtraction. They also begin to develop more advanced memory strategies, plan for the future, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. However, in contrast to the formal operational stage, children in the concrete operational stage do not yet have the capability for abstract thinking about hypothetical situations or ideas.