During which stage do children primarily store information as images?

The correct answer is iconic thinking because this stage is characterized by children storing information primarily as images or sensory representations. In iconic thinking, which typically occurs in early childhood, children do not yet use abstract symbols or words to represent concepts; instead, they rely on visual and sensory experiences to form their understanding of the world around them. This ability to recall images is crucial for the development of memory and later cognitive processes.

Enactive thinking involves storing information through actions or physical responses, which is not focused on visual memory. Symbolic thinking, on the other hand, marks a later stage where children begin to use symbols and language to represent ideas, moving beyond mere imagery. Cognitive thinking encompasses a broader range of mental processes, including reasoning and problem-solving, and is not limited to the imagery aspect characteristic of iconic thinking. Therefore, iconic thinking is directly aligned with the ability to store and recall information as images.