Which stage of Piaget's Theory involves the ability to think about abstract concepts?

• A. Sensorimotor Stage
• B. Preoperational Stage
• C. Concrete Operational Stage
• D. Formal Operational Stage

Answer: (D)

The correct choice is indeed the stage of Piaget's Theory known as the Formal Operational Stage. This stage typically begins around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. At this point in development, individuals gain the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically. They can reason about hypothetical situations, use deductive reasoning, and think about possibilities rather than just what is concrete and present. This capacity for abstract thought allows adolescents and adults to tackle complex problems, understand scientific concepts, and engage in philosophical reasoning.

In contrast, the other stages are characterized by different types of thinking. The Sensorimotor Stage, for example, is focused on developing motor skills and understanding the world through sensory experiences without an ability to think about abstract concepts. The Preoperational Stage involves symbolic thinking and imagination but is limited by egocentrism and a lack of logical reasoning. Lastly, the Concrete Operational Stage marks the development of logical thinking about concrete events and objects, but not yet the ability to handle abstract principles effectively. Each of these earlier stages lays the foundation for the more advanced thinking capabilities seen in the Formal Operational Stage.