A researcher attempts to replicate studies with a group of 5-year-olds using simplified games. Which cognitive limitation is most likely to affect their performance?

The cognitive limitation that is most likely to affect the performance of 5-year-olds in this context is egocentrism. At this developmental stage, children often struggle to see situations from perspectives other than their own. This is particularly evident in their interactions and understanding of social situations, as they may find it challenging to understand that others can have different thoughts, feelings, or perspectives.

In simplified games designed to replicate research studies, the researcher may notice that 5-year-olds are likely to focus on their own experiences and viewpoints rather than considering those of others. This can impact their ability to perform tasks that require perspective-taking or cooperative engagement, leading to difficulties in collaboration, communication, and understanding the goals or intents behind the actions of others during the games.

Understanding egocentrism provides valuable insights into the developmental psychology of children and highlights the importance of age-appropriate strategies when designing research or activities for young children. Recognizing this limitation can help researchers and educators create more effective environments that account for these cognitive traits in young children.