Your Textbook Describes the Classic Conservation Task in Which a 5-Year-Old

Multiple Choice

Your textbook describes the classic conservation task in which a 5-year-old child observes equal amounts of liquid in two identical short, wide containers. The child watches as the liquid is poured from one short, wide container into a tall, thin container, and is then asked which container holds more water. How did the 5-year-old respond?

A) "The tall, thin container has more water."
B) " The short, wide container has more water."
C) "Both containers have the same amount of water."
D) "I don't know."