Which stage of the cognitive model involves developing mental hypotheses?

The stage of the cognitive model that involves developing mental hypotheses is the formal operations stage. During this phase, which typically emerges between the ages of 11 and 16, individuals gain the ability to think abstractly and systematically. They can formulate and test hypotheses, which allows for advanced reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to consider different possibilities and outcomes.

Formal operations represent a significant cognitive shift from earlier stages, where thinking is more concrete and bound to tangible experiences. In this stage, learners can think about hypothetical scenarios, reason logically, and engage in deductive reasoning, all of which are critical for scientific reasoning and advanced mathematical thinking. The ability to create and manipulate mental hypotheses is a hallmark of this cognitive development stage.