Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

What cognitive ability are James and Susan practicing by putting together a jigsaw puzzle?

1. Memory recall

2. Problem solving

3. Spatial awareness

4. Creative thinking

The correct answer is: Problem solving

When James and Susan work on putting together a jigsaw puzzle, they are primarily engaging in problem solving. This activity requires them to analyze the pieces they have, figure out how they fit together, and strategize on how to complete the image. Problem solving involves identifying the components of a task, planning an approach, and adjusting strategies as needed to overcome challenges—which is exactly what is involved in assembling a puzzle. While memory recall, spatial awareness, and creative thinking may also play roles in the process, they are not the central focus when tackling a jigsaw puzzle. For example, memory recall might help them remember puzzle patterns or which pieces they have already tried, but the primary task remains focused on solving the puzzle's inherent challenges. Similarly, spatial awareness is important as it aids them in visualizing how pieces fit together, yet the broader cognitive skill being exercised here revolves around the active problem-solving aspect of the activity. Creative thinking can be involved if they approach the assembly with unique strategies, but it does not encapsulate the primary cognitive ability being practiced to the same degree as problem solving does. Thus, focusing on problem solving captures the essence of what James and Susan are practicing with the jigsaw puzzle.