Definition: In Piaget's stages of cognitive development, the formal operation stage is a period between age twelve to adulthood when people develop the ability to think about abstract concepts. Skills such as logical thought, deductive reasoning, and systematic planning also emerge during this stage. Learn more about the formal operation stage.
What Is the Formal Operation Stage?
By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com Guide
Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
Explore Psychology
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