What term does Piaget use to describe a person's ability to think abstractly?

The term used by Piaget to describe a person's ability to think abstractly is "formal operations." This stage is the fourth and final stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which typically begins around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood. During this stage, individuals develop the ability to think logically about abstract concepts, variables, and hypothetical situations. They can engage in systematic planning, problem-solving, and reasoning about possible outcomes. This cognitive advancement allows for more sophisticated thinking in areas such as mathematics, science, and moral reasoning.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different cognitive processes or stages. For example, "concrete operations" is the stage before formal operations, where thinking is more grounded in concrete, tangible experiences rather than abstractions. "Metacognition" refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, which is a different concept that involves reflecting on and regulating one's own learning. "Divergent thinking," on the other hand, is the ability to generate multiple ideas or solutions to a problem, showcasing creativity rather than abstract reasoning specifically. Thus, while all these terms are related to cognitive functions, "formal operations" is the correct term that aligns with thinking abstractly.