Which of the following is a key characteristic of the formal operational stage in adolescent development?

The formal operational stage, as described by Jean Piaget, is characterized by the ability to think abstractly and logically. This stage, which typically begins around age 11 and continues into adulthood, allows adolescents to consider hypothetical situations and use deductive reasoning. Abstract thought enables individuals to think about concepts that are not directly tied to concrete experiences or immediate realities.

In contrast, the other options reflect thinking patterns associated with earlier developmental stages or different approaches. For example, concrete thinking is more prominent in the concrete operational stage, which precedes formal operations and involves reasoning based on actual experiences and tangible objects. Intuitive reasoning often relates to early childhood cognition, where thinking tends to be more instinctual and less structured. Lastly, trial and error learning is an exploratory behavior commonly seen in earlier childhood or in situations requiring practical problem solving, rather than the systematic problem-solving abilities seen in formal operational thought.

Therefore, the hallmark characteristic of the formal operational stage is the capability for abstract thought, enabling deeper cognitive processes essential for complex reasoning.