In the previous weeks we have defined three stages of cognitive development according to Piaget: , and of the . Today we are going to define the stage of formal operations.
Formal operations stage
Included from 12 years old to adulthood.
Upon reaching the aforementioned age, reasoning will expand from being only concrete to including the abstract (inclusion of symbols and imaginary realities). In other words, the person goes from manipulating things (real or imaginary) to manipulating ideas and propositions. Additionally, they can reason based on verbal statements (Myers, 2006, Gross, 2005).
The word “formal” refers to the subject’s ability to follow the form of an argument without reference to its particular content, for example: If A is higher than B and B is higher than C, then A is higher than C. We do not know what or who the letters A, B and C refer to, but we can understand that the conclusion is correct (Gross, 2005).
At this stage, the individual is also capable of using hypothetical thinking and hypothetico-deductive thinking (Gross, 2005).
If you value articles like this, consider supporting us by becoming a Pro subscriber. Subscribers enjoy access to members-only articles, materials, and webinars.
The acquisition of these new skills allows the child to also take into account several factors at the same time when solving problems, making decisions, etc. (Baron, Byrne & Kantowitz, 1980).
We must keep in mind that many of Piaget’s observations were made before we had more modern, careful and precise research methods. Since then, studies have been carried out that expanded on the topic of cognitive development, showing us to what extent his observations were accurate.
Sources:
Baron, R., Donn, B. & Kantowitz, B. (1980), Psychology. Understanding behavior 2nd edition. Holt, Rinehart and Winston: U.S.
Bee, H. (1985), The developing child 4th edition. Harper & Row publishers: New York
Gross, R. (2005), Psychology, the science of mind and behavior 5th edition. Hodder Arnold Publication
Myers, D. (2006), Psychology 7th edition. Panamericana Medical Editorial:Madrid