How did Piaget, Kohlberg, and others describe adolescent development?

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Piaget, Kohlberg, and subsequent researchers have significantly contributed to our understanding of adolescent cognitive and moral development. Their theories have shed light on the cognitive processes and moral reasoning that emerge during adolescence. Let's explore how Piaget, Kohlberg, and later researchers describe these aspects of development:

1. Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development: Piaget proposed a stage theory of cognitive development, including the formal operations stage that characterizes adolescence. According to Piaget, individuals enter the formal operational stage during adolescence (around 11 to 15 years and beyond). Key features of this stage include:

- Abstract thinking: Adolescents acquire the ability to think abstractly and hypothetically. They can engage in scientific reasoning, solve complex problems, and think beyond concrete and immediate situations.

- Hypothetico-deductive reasoning: Adolescents develop the ability to generate and test hypotheses systematically. They can consider multiple factors, make predictions, and use logical reasoning.

- Metacognition: Adolescents become more aware of their thought processes and engage in metacognitive thinking. They can reflect on their thoughts, evaluate their reasoning, and monitor their cognitive processes.

Piaget's theory highlights how cognitive development during adolescence allows individuals to engage in more sophisticated thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.