What cognitive skill is developed during Piaget’s "formal operational" stage?

During Piaget's "formal operational" stage, which typically occurs from around age 11 and onward, individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and engage in problem-solving at a more advanced level. This stage allows individuals to move beyond concrete experiences and think in terms of hypothetical situations and possibilities.

Abstract thinking enables children to understand complex concepts that are not directly tied to physical objects or experiences. For instance, they can contemplate mathematical concepts, philosophical ideas, or ethical dilemmas that require them to consider things that are not present or tangible. Problem-solving becomes more sophisticated, as they can create and manipulate abstract variables to explore potential outcomes and solutions.

While logical reasoning is also a significant aspect of this stage, it is important to note that it is specifically the ability to handle abstract concepts and hypothetical scenarios that distinguishes the formal operational stage. Reactive thinking and basic arithmetic skills, on the other hand, are not developments attributed to this stage but align more closely with earlier stages of cognitive development. Thus, the focus on abstract thinking and problem-solving clearly defines the cognitive advancements made during Piaget's formal operational stage.