Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development: The Formal Operational Stage

In his theory of cognitive development, Jean Piaget stated that there are four stages that each individual goes through. The fourth and last stage of cognitive development is called the Formal Operational Stage. This period takes place at around 12 years old and lasts well into adulthood. What Happens During the Formal Operational Stage? This is the time when thinking skills become advanced and more sophisticated. Those in this stage can think about abstract and theoretical concepts and can use logic to come up with solutions to problems. Skills such as logical thought, deductive reasoning, and systematic planning are developed …