Identity, Compensation, and Conservation

Abstract

ACREDOLO, CURT, and ACREDOLO, LINDA P. Identity, Compensation, and Conservation. CHmLD DEVELOPMENT, 1979, 50, 524-535. This study tested Piaget's assertion that true stage 3 conservation awaits the emergence of an understanding of compensation, that a recognition of identity is not sufficient, and that the anticipation of liquid conservation among otherwise nonconserving children is not an indication of conservation by identity, but is instead due to an erroneous anticipation of unchanging water levels. These assertions were tested using a modified replication of Piaget and Taponier's classic study of liquid conservation. 96 K-grade 1 children were presented a sequence of anticipation-of-liquid-conservation, anticipation-of-water-levels, and standard liquid-conservation tasks. The results, which failed to replicate Piaget and Taponier, disconfirmed Piaget's theory of pseudoconservation, but supported his assertion that an understanding of compensation is necessary for consistent conservation judgments plus explanations. The results suggest a modification of Piaget's equilibration theory of conservation development, one which elevates the role of identity.