On the Existence of a Graphic Stage in Free Classification: Another Look

Abstract

Two studies were conducted for the primary purpose of determining whether young children construct collections with graphic properties. The stimuli used were geometric figures that differed on two or three dimensions. In the first study, a clear majority of 3-year-olds constructed graphic collections, whereas 5-and 7-year-olds constructed nongraphic collections predominately. Having subjects sort the objects into a small number of boxes had no discernible effect on subjects whose free collections were graphic in form, but this technique did facilitate production of higher-level collections among subjects whose free collections were nongraphic. In the second study, involving only 3-year-olds, graphic collections again predominated, replicating the initial results but with a larger set of stimulus objects. The present results conform closely to those of Inhelder and Piaget, which some previous research had questioned.