In which stage does a child begin to think more systematically and abstractly?

In developmental psychology, the Formal Operational stage is characterized by a child's ability to think systematically and abstractly. This stage typically emerges around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. During this phase, individuals are capable of engaging in hypothetical reasoning, forming and testing hypotheses, and thinking about abstract concepts such as justice, love, and scientific theories.

Children in this stage can approach problems logically and systematically, allowing them to consider multiple perspectives and use deductive reasoning. This cognitive development enhances their problem-solving skills and allows for more complex moral reasoning compared to earlier stages.

In contrast, the other stages do not exhibit this level of abstract thinking. The Preoperational stage is dominated by symbolic thinking but lacks logical reasoning. The Concrete Operational stage features logical thinking applied to concrete objects and events, but children's thinking is generally not yet abstract. The Sensorimotor stage involves learning through sensory experiences and physical actions, with no capability for abstract thought.