What term refers to reversible mental actions in cognitive development?

The term that refers to reversible mental actions in cognitive development is "operations." This concept is central to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, particularly during the concrete operational stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11. During this stage, children begin to develop logical thinking and can perform operations mentally rather than physically.

Reversibility is a key aspect of operations; it allows children to understand that some actions can be undone or reversed. For instance, if they pour water from a short, wide glass into a tall, narrow one, they can understand that the amount of water remains the same even though its appearance has changed. This ability to mentally reverse an action indicates a significant level of cognitive advancement.

Other terms, like processes, functions, and concepts, may refer to different aspects of cognitive function or learning but do not specifically capture the idea of reversible mental actions. Thus, "operations" is the most accurate term in the context of cognitive development and reflects the understanding of logical frameworks that children begin to grasp during this important developmental stage.