What does the term 'egocentrism' refer to in the preoperational stage?

Egocentrism in the context of the preoperational stage, as defined by developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, specifically refers to a cognitive limitation where children are unable to see or understand things from perspectives other than their own. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7, children exhibit behaviors and thinking patterns that reflect their self-centered view of the world. They struggle to grasp that other people may have different feelings, thoughts, or viewpoints that differ from their own experiences.

This characteristic can be observed in behaviors such as when a child talks about an event and assumes that everyone knows what they're talking about, or when they play a game and insist that other players follow their wishes, not considering others' desires. Understanding this aspect of cognitive development is crucial, as it highlights the limitations of young children's thinking and their gradual progression toward more complex social understandings as they advance into the next stages of cognitive development.

The other options do not relate directly to the concept of egocentrism. Reading and writing abilities, logical reasoning, and independence are developmental milestones that are typically discussed in relation to other stages of cognitive and social growth, rather than being defining features of egocentrism in the preoperational stage.