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

Multiple Choice

Your textbook describes the classic conservation task in which a five-year-old child observes equal amounts of liquid in two identical short, wide containers. The child watches as liquid is poured from one short, wide container into a tall, thin container, and is then asked which container holds more water. How does a typical five-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 have to go to the bathroom."