Formal Operational Thought

Definition

Formal operational thought is the fourth and final stage of cognitive development in Piaget's theory. It refers to the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and consider multiple perspectives.

Related terms

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning: This term refers to the ability to form hypotheses and systematically test them.

Abstract Thinking:

This term refers to the ability to think about concepts and ideas rather than just concrete objects.

Metacognition:

This term refers to thinking about one's own thinking processes, such as reflecting on problem-solving strategies.