What cognitive abilities are typically established in the concrete operational stage?

In the concrete operational stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, children develop logical thinking skills but largely in relation to concrete, tangible objects and experiences. During this stage, they become capable of performing operations mentally rather than just physically, such as organizing objects by size or understanding the concept of conservation—recognizing that quantity doesn’t change even when its shape does.

The focus is on tangible, real-life situations where they can manipulate and observe physical objects. This ability to think logically about concrete examples marks a significant advancement from earlier stages of cognitive development. Abstract thinking, complex emotional understanding, and reflective thinking are not primary features of this stage, as children usually need more experience and maturation to grasp these concepts fully. Hence, the correct answer highlights the children's ability to logically reason about concrete situations while still lacking the capability for abstract thought.