Which stage is characterized by a child’s ability to think abstractly, according to Piaget?

The stage that is characterized by a child's ability to think abstractly is the formal operational stage. This stage typically begins around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. During this period, children develop the ability to understand complex concepts that are not directly tied to concrete experiences. They can think logically about hypothetical situations, manipulate ideas in their minds without relying on physical objects, and form strategic plans or hypotheses.

This ability to engage in abstract thought means that children can tackle problems systematically and think about moral, philosophical, and scientific issues at a much deeper level. The formal operational stage marks a significant transition from the previous concrete operational stage, where children's thinking is primarily focused on tangible, concrete objects and experiences.