Final Answer:
The Preoperational Phase proposed by Piaget consists of two substages. Egocentrism refers to the inability to consider others' perspectives, while animism involves attributing lifelike qualities to inanimate objects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Piaget's theory of cognitive development outlines four stages, with the Preoperational Phase being the second stage. This phase is divided into two substages: the Preconceptual Substage and the Intuitive Substage.
In the Preconceptual Substage, children between the ages of 2 and 4 exhibit egocentrism and animism. Egocentrism refers to the inability to consider others' perspectives, while animism involves attributing lifelike qualities to inanimate objects. During the Intuitive Substage, which typically spans ages 4 to 7, children begin to engage in more symbolic play and develop a basic understanding of cause and effect relationships. These two substages collectively constitute the Preoperational Phase.
Piaget's division is based on observed shifts in cognitive abilities and reasoning skills during these age ranges. While the Preconceptual Substage lays the groundwork for symbolic thought, the Intuitive Substage marks a progression toward more logical reasoning. Understanding these distinctions helps educators and psychologists tailor interventions and educational strategies to support children's cognitive development during the Preoperational Phase.