Which ability develops during Piaget's formal operational stage?

The formal operational stage is a critical phase in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, typically occurring from around age 11 and onward. During this stage, individuals gain the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically. This includes the capacity to manipulate abstract concepts, which is a key characteristic distinguishing this stage from earlier ones.

Manipulating abstract concepts allows individuals to engage in hypothetical reasoning, solve problems through deduction, and understand complex ideas that are not tied to concrete physical objects. This ability is foundational for advanced reasoning, scientific thinking, and contemplating moral and philosophical questions.

While understanding sensory input relates more to the sensorimotor stage, and performing mental operations with concrete objects is characteristic of the concrete operational stage, the capacity to attribute human qualities to objects (animism) is primarily seen in younger children of the preoperational stage. Thus, the ability to manipulate abstract concepts accurately captures the essence of cognitive development in the formal operational stage.