Chapter 11: Problem 4

Describe how cognitive development proceeds during adolescence according to Piaget.

Short Answer

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According to Piaget, cognitive development during adolescence, also referred to as the formal operational stage, involves the ability to think abstractly, apply hypothetical-deductive reasoning, and develop self-reflection and metacognition abilities.

Step by step solution

Understanding Formal Operational Stage

Firstly, it is important to understand that Jean Piaget identified the formal operational stage as the final phase of cognitive development, typically occurring from age 12 onwards to adulthood. Piaget proposed that during this period, individuals become capable of abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and problem-solving in an advanced and more systematic way.

Ability to Think Abstractly

One of the main characteristics of this stage is the capacity for abstract thinking. Unlike in previous stages where children mostly thought concretely and needed physical examples, adolescents can understand and manipulate abstract concepts such as love, justice or morality without requiring concrete examples. They can also understand metaphors and analogies, which require abstract reasoning.

Hypothetical-deductive Reasoning

Piaget also proposed that adolescents develop hypothetical-deductive reasoning abilities. This means they start to think about hypotheses or 'what if' scenarios and can deduce logical conclusions from these hypothetical situations. They are able to consider multiple aspects of a problem and come up with different solutions, showing an ability to think systematically.

Self-Reflection and Metacognition

Finally, adolescents become more self-reflective and develop the ability for metacognition, which is thinking about their own thought processes. They can examine their own thoughts and feelings and consider how these might be influencing their behavior.

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Describe how cognitive development proceeds during adolescence according to Piaget.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Formal Operational Stage

Ability to Think Abstractly

Hypothetical-deductive Reasoning

Self-Reflection and Metacognition

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