Formal Operational Stage

Formal Operational Stage

• stage of cognitive development

• Adolescents can think systematically

• can reason about abstract concepts

• Can understand ethics and scientific reasoning.

12 yrs and up

Age range of Formal Operational Stage

Abstract Thinking, Hypothetical Reasoning, Logical Thought, Propositional Logic, Systematic Problem Solving, Idealism

6 Skills of the Formal Operational Stage

Abstract thinking

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• Ability to think of ideas with no physical reference

• Fairness, freedom, etc.

Hypothetical Reasoning

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• ability to imagine different possibilities and outcomes

Logical Thought

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• Using logic to solve thoughts; including things one can’t percieve

Propositional Logic

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• Understanding & Evaluating statements based on reasoning

Systematic problem solving

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• Planning and working through problems methodologically (step-by-step)

Idealism

• cognitive ability of formal op. stage

• Thinking how things could be better

• How the world should be