During which Piaget stage do children understand that an object remains the same even if its shape changes?

The correct answer is the Concrete Operational Stage. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, children develop the ability to think logically about concrete events. One of the key achievements in this stage is the understanding of conservation, which is the concept that an object remains the same even when its shape or appearance changes. For instance, a child in this stage understands that when water is poured from a tall, thin glass into a short, wide glass, the amount of water remains unchanged despite the difference in shape.

This understanding signifies a shift from the more egocentric perspective characteristic of earlier stages, as children begin to grasp that objects can retain certain properties despite changes in external presentation. This cognitive development allows children to engage in logical thinking and problem-solving based on physical transformations they can observe. Hence, the Concrete Operational Stage is crucial for developing a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.