Life Span Development II School Age and Adolescence

Life Span Development II: School age and Adolescence 3 (2+1)

Lesson 18 : Cognitive development during Adolescence

Formal operational thought: (11-12 years to adulthood)

During adolescence the thought process is more abstract, systematic and self reflective qualities of thoughts are under supportive conditions.

The beginning of formal operational stage of cognitive development is at 11 or 12 years concrete operations or the mental actions on objects i.e. tangible things and events, formal operations characterize the abilities to mentally juggle and think logically about ideas, which cannot be seen, heard, tasted and smelled or touched. In other words, this stage is more hypothetical and abstract than concrete operational thought. It involves a more systematic and specific approach to problem solving.