A possible fifth stage of cognitive development that characterizes adult thinking is _____.
A) preformal thought
B) semiformal thought
C) informal thought
D) postformal thought

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Postformal thought is a hypothesis about a fifth stage of cognitive development that characterizes adult thinking. It goes beyond Piaget's formal operational stage, which only captures the ability to think logically, abstractly, and hypothetically. Postformal thought refers to a complex way of thinking that blends logical with intuitive, subjective, and contextual factors. It allows adults to deal with uncertainty, paradox, and contradiction, and to generate creative and integrative solutions to problems.

A Possible Fifth Stage of Cognitive Development That Characterizes Adult