The ability to think logically about hypothetical situations is indicative of the _____ stage of development.

The ability to think logically about hypothetical situations is indicative of the formal operational stage of development, as proposed by psychologist Jean Piaget. This stage typically begins around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. During this phase, individuals develop the capacity for abstract reasoning, which includes the ability to consider possibilities, engage in hypothetical reasoning, and think about logical relationships without the need for concrete objects or experiences.

In contrast, the earlier stages of development, such as the preoperational stage, are characterized by a focus on concrete, tangible experiences and egocentric thinking. The conventional and preconventional stages, derived from Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, relate more to reasoning about ethics and morality rather than logical thinking about hypothetical scenarios. Therefore, the formal operational stage is distinctively associated with advanced cognitive abilities that allow for sophisticated logical thought processes when faced with abstract or hypothetical problems.