A survey of undergraduate education methods texts indicates that students are repeatedly exposed to the theories of Jean Piaget, with an emphasis on the stages of development and characteristics of preschool children. The suggestion is made that an evaluation should be undertaken of misconceptions that undergraduate students might develop as a result of an incomplete understanding of selected human development theories. Inappropriate practices are pointed out which have developed as a result of the exposure of preschool education students' to the theories of Piaget. The results of a study of the analogical reasoning ability of four- and five-year olds adds to the neo-Piagetian literature by demonstrating the analogical reasoning ability of these children. Is is suggested that a broader base of conceptual understanding of cognitive functioning is needed by teachers of young children. (JD)