Which statement accurately describes the Concrete Operational stage in Piaget's theory?

The Concrete Operational stage, according to Piaget's theory, is characterized by the development of logical thinking and the ability to perform operations mentally rather than physically. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, children begin to think more logically about concrete events. They gain a better understanding of the concept of conservation (the idea that quantity doesn’t change even when its shape does) and can classify objects and understand the relationships between them.

This increased logic allows children to solve problems more effectively, manipulate numbers, and understand concepts such as time, space, and causality. They also become capable of thinking about multiple aspects of a situation, which enhances their reasoning skills. This stage marks a significant shift from the more egocentric thinking seen in earlier stages, as children can start to consider perspectives beyond their own, although abstract thought is still developing and not fully ingrained yet.

The other choices do not align with this stage's characteristics. For instance, understanding abstract concepts is more aligned with the subsequent Formal Operational stage. Being primarily focused on their own needs reflects egocentrism typical of the Pre-Operational stage, while the inability to comprehend feelings and thoughts doesn't accurately represent the cognitive advancements made during the Concrete Operational stage.