Piaget's formal operational stage of cognitive development is marked by the first appearance of the ability to ____.
A) conserve number and amount
B) engage in abstract, hypothetical thinking
C) form mental representations
D) perform logical operations

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal operational stage is characterized by the ability to engage in abstract, hypothetical thinking. This includes the ability to reason logically and systematically about abstract concepts and to consider multiple possibilities and alternatives. While conservation (A) and mental representation (C) are abilities that emerge earlier in development, they do not require the level of abstraction and hypothetical thinking that is central to the formal operational stage. Performing logical operations (D) is also a component of this stage, but it is closely tied to the ability to engage in abstract thinking.

Piaget's Formal Operational Stage of Cognitive Development Is Marked by the First