Piaget & Inhelder's Three Mountains Task

Question 1

When did this study take place?

Answer 1

1956

Question 2

Give the aim of this study.

Answer 2

To find the extent to which children of different ages could take on the view of another

Question 3

What procedures were used?

Answer 3

1. Children shown and walked around model of 3 mountains
   
   • Smallest: green with a house on top
   • Middle: brown with a red cross on top
   • Tallest: grey with a snowy top
2. Children shown 10 photos of the model from different positions and asked to indicate which showed the doll’s view (doll was placed in several positions)
3. Gathered detailed qualitative data.
4. 100 ppts
5. Mountains 12-30cm tall

Question 4

Give the 2 key results of this study.

Answer 4

1. Pre-operational stage children
   
   • Overall egocentric; indicated their view when asked to indicate the doll’s view
2. Concrete operational children
   
   • 7 to 9: begin to show signs of decentration
   • 9 to 10: know that the doll’s view is different from their own

Question 5

Give the 2 main conclusions drawn from this study.

Answer 5

1. Children up to 7 years old generally showed signs of egocentrism
2. Older children were non-egocentric and had the ability to coordinate different viewpoints

Question 6

Give 2 strengths of Piaget & Inhelder’s study.

Answer 6

1. Used a standardised procedure
   • Makes comparisons easier
   • Increases reliability
   • Eliminates experimenter effects
2. Gathered detailed qualitative data about individual children
   • Shows the development of abilities in each stage
   • Gives results more scientific status

Question 7

Give 2 weaknesses of Piaget & Inhelder’s study.

Answer 7

1. Results suggest abilities develop progressively rather than in stages like Piaget theorised.
   
   • Stages cannot be used to explain cognitive development
2. Generally thought that the children in Piaget’s Swiss sample did not sufficiently understand the scenario