According to Piaget's theory, what characterizes the preoperational stage of cognitive development?

The preoperational stage, typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 7, is characterized by the emergence of language and symbolic thought. During this stage, children begin to use words and images to represent objects and experiences, which marks a significant advancement in their cognitive development. They engage in imaginative play, use symbols to stand for objects, and can create narratives, reflecting their growing language skills and understanding of symbolism.

This ability to use language and symbols allows children to express their thoughts and feelings more effectively and to engage in more complex social interactions. They may not yet exhibit logical reasoning or an understanding of concrete operations; instead, their thinking is often characterized by egocentrism and magical thinking.

The other options reflect abilities that develop in later stages. Logical thinking is a hallmark of the concrete operational stage, understanding conservation concepts also appears in this stage, and performing operations physically becomes evident in the concrete operational phase. Hence, focusing on the preoperational stage specifically highlights the importance of language and symbols in the cognitive development of children at this age.