During which phase do children exhibit increased use of verbal representation, although their speech is egocentric?

The correct answer is the preoperational phase. In this stage of cognitive development, which typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7, children begin to engage in symbolic thinking and use language more effectively. However, their thinking is still rooted in personal experiences, leading to egocentric speech—where they can focus on their own perspective without recognizing that others may have different viewpoints.

Children in this phase become adept at using words and images to represent objects that are not physically present, allowing for imaginative play and basic problem-solving. Though their ability to think logically is still developing, the increased use of verbal representations is a hallmark of this stage, setting the foundation for more complex cognitive processes that emerge in later stages, such as concrete operations, where logical thinking becomes more prominent. In this earlier phase, children may struggle to apply logic consistently or consider multiple viewpoints, underscoring the egocentric nature of their communication and thought processes.