Which developmental stage follows the concrete-operational stage?

The formal operations stage follows the concrete-operational stage in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. During the formal operations stage, which typically begins around age 12 and continues into adulthood, individuals develop the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and systematically plan for the future. They can manipulate ideas in their minds without needing concrete objects to understand them, allowing for more sophisticated problem-solving and reasoning skills.

In this stage, adolescents can understand hypothetical and deductive reasoning, considering various possibilities and outcomes. This advancement in cognitive abilities fosters critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and the capability to think about moral, philosophical, and theoretical issues, which were less pronounced in the earlier concrete-operational stage where thinking was primarily based on tangible objects and straightforward logic.

While other developmental stages, such as sensorimotor and preoperational, occur before concrete operations, they do not follow it; instead, they precede it. The option suggesting that development ceases after concrete operations conflicts with Piaget's framework, as he posited that cognitive development continues beyond this stage into formal operations. This progression reflects the ongoing nature of cognitive growth rather than a definitive stopping point.