What key concept is developed during the Formal Operational stage?

The key concept that develops during the Formal Operational stage, which typically begins around age 11 and continues into adulthood, is logical reasoning about abstract ideas. At this stage, individuals start to think more systematically and hypothetically. They can form and test hypotheses, consider multiple viewpoints, and think about possibilities that extend beyond their immediate experiences.

This ability to engage in abstract thinking allows individuals to solve complex problems and engage in advanced reasoning. For instance, they can think about concepts such as justice, love, and freedom, which are not tied to concrete objects or experiences. This stage is characterized by a shift from thinking about the physical world and tangible items to manipulating and understanding concepts that may not have a physical form or direct empirical evidence.

The other choices are relevant to different developmental stages or processes but do not accurately represent the key concept of the Formal Operational stage. Understanding sensory experiences pertains to earlier stages of cognitive development where a focus on direct interaction with the environment is predominant. Memory retention techniques and recognition of physical objects are also skills that develop earlier, emphasizing concrete operational thought rather than the abstract reasoning celebrated in the Formal Operational stage.