What cognitive ability allows children in the concrete operational stage to categorize objects based on shared characteristics?

The cognitive ability that enables children in the concrete operational stage to categorize objects based on shared characteristics is known as classification. This skill allows them to group objects that share common traits, such as color, shape, or function, demonstrating their understanding of the relationships between different sets of objects.

Children in this stage, typically between the ages of 7 and 11, develop the ability to think logically about concrete events. They can sort and organize objects into hierarchies or categories, which is crucial for their cognitive development. Classification helps them make sense of their environment and enhances their problem-solving skills.

While class inclusion is related as it involves understanding that a subset of items can belong to a larger category, it specifically refers to the understanding of the relationship between groups and subgroups, rather than the broader ability to categorize objects. Conservation refers to understanding that properties like volume or number remain the same despite changes in form, and organization generally pertains to arranging or structuring information, but does not specifically highlight the ability to categorize objects.