What cognitive abilities develop during Piaget's formal operational stage?

Piaget's formal operational stage, which typically occurs during adolescence and continues into adulthood, is characterized by the development of advanced cognitive abilities. One of the key abilities that emerges during this stage is abstract thinking. Individuals in the formal operational stage can think beyond concrete realities and consider hypothetical situations and possibilities. They can understand and manipulate abstract concepts and think in a more logical and systematic manner. Another cognitive ability that develops during this stage is the capacity for metacognition, which is the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. This allows individuals to reflect on their own thinking, evaluate different options, and make informed decisions. Additionally, individuals in the formal operational stage display improved problem-solving skills, enhanced reasoning abilities, and the ability to think critically by considering different perspectives and evaluating evidence. Overall, the cognitive abilities that develop during Piaget's formal operational stage enable individuals to engage in more complex and sophisticated thinking processes.

Abstract Thinking Hypothetico-deductive Reasoning Logical Reasoning Metacognition Scientific Reasoning