Preschool and kindergarten nonconservers (N=114) were examined for their use of dimensions relevant to quantity in two conservation-of-substance tasks. The results were interpreted as being counter to Piaget's 4-step equilibration model of the development of compensation and conservation. (ST)

Two studies examined how nonconservers use the dimensions relevant to quantity in the conservation of substance task. Most nonconservers are very selective in their use of the information provided by these dimensions. Most preschool and kindergarten nonconservers used length to define amount, while ignoring width. This was true regardless of how…

This study examined the relation between number conservation and attention to number, density, and length or area in 86 kindergarteners and 18 third graders. (Author/SB)

Cardinal-ordinal abilities and attentional preferences of kindergarten nonconservers, kindergarten conservers, and third grade conservers of number were compared by employing standarized versions of Piagetian cardinal-ordinal tasks and a triad preference task. (Author/JMB)

Results show that both kindergarten nonconservers and kindergarten conservers found height most salient. Third-grade conservers found quantity most salient but could easily attend to height and width. (Author/CB)

This paper examines the concept of decalage from two cognitive-change positions (structures of logical thought and attentional and verbal mediators) and proposes an alternative explanation for decalage from a perceptual-change point of view. The term decalage is used to summarize the relation between differences in performance of various age…