In Piaget's developmental stages, what is the primary characteristic of the 'formal operations' stage?

The primary characteristic of the 'formal operations' stage in Piaget's developmental theory is abstract thinking. During this stage, which typically begins around age 11 and continues into adulthood, individuals develop the ability to think logically about abstract concepts. This includes understanding complex ideas such as morality, hypothetical situations, and scientific reasoning.

At this stage, adolescents are not only able to think about concrete objects and experiences but can also consider possibilities that do not necessarily have a physical presence. They can formulate hypotheses and deduce logical consequences, allowing for advanced reasoning and problem-solving abilities. This level of cognitive maturity enables them to engage in philosophical discussions and explore theoretical concepts effectively.

The other stages mentioned focus on different aspects of cognitive development. Motor development is primarily associated with the earlier sensorimotor stage, while intuitive thinking is characteristic of the preoperational stage, where reasoning is based more on appearances and personal perspectives rather than logical thought. Logical thinking without abstraction relates to the concrete operational stage, where children can think logically about tangible objects but struggle with abstract ideas. Thus, the hallmark of the formal operations stage is the capacity for abstract thinking, which sets it apart from previous stages.