What cognitive development theory is associated with adolescents' ability to think abstractly?

The theory associated with adolescents' ability to think abstractly is Piaget's Formal Operational Stage. Jean Piaget proposed that this stage typically emerges around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. During this stage, individuals develop the ability to think logically about abstract concepts, engage in hypothetical reasoning, and systematically solve problems. This cognitive leap allows adolescents to understand complex ideas that go beyond concrete experiences, enabling them to engage in advanced reasoning that includes planning for the future, considering possibilities, and understanding philosophical or ethical questions.

In contrast, Vygotsky's Social Development Theory focuses on the social context of learning and the role of cultural tools in cognitive development, emphasizing collaboration rather than the developmental stages of thinking. Pavlov's Classical Conditioning pertains to behavioral learning through associations and does not address cognitive abilities. Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory expands the understanding of intelligence beyond traditional measures, categorizing it into various types but does not specifically define stages of cognitive development.