What cognitive abilities develop during the formal operational stage?

During the formal operational stage, which typically begins around age 12 and continues into adulthood according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, individuals gain the ability to think more abstractly and systematically. This stage is characterized by the capacity to understand complex concepts that are not tied to concrete objects or experiences.

Understanding abstract principles allows individuals to engage in hypothetical thinking, reason logically about abstract ideas, and solve problems involving multiple variables. For instance, during this stage, individuals can consider philosophical questions, ponder hypothetical scenarios, and develop strategies for thinking about future possibilities, consequences, and the relationships between different concepts.

This capacity for abstract thought distinguishes the formal operational stage from the previous concrete operational stage, where thinking is more rigidly tied to physical and tangible experiences. Thus, the development of the ability to understand abstract principles is a key hallmark of cognitive maturity that emerges during this stage.