Hypothetical-deductive reasoning is characteristic of
A) preoperational thought.
B) sensorimotor thought.
C) concrete operational thought.
D) formal operational thought.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypothetical-deductive reasoning is a cognitive ability associated with formal operational thought, which develops during adolescence and enables individuals to systematically generate and test hypotheses, use logic and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions, and engage in abstract thinking. Preoperational thought (A) is characterized by egocentrism and lack of conservation, while sensorimotor thought (B) is focused on sensory experiences and motor actions. Concrete operational thought (C) involves the ability to reason logically about concrete objects and events but not to generate and test hypotheses systematically.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning Is Characteristic of