Use of symbols to relate to abstract concepts. Able to make hypotheses and grasp abstract concepts and relationships.

The ability to use abstract concepts is associated with the formal operational stage of cognitive development, according to Jean Piaget's theory. This stage typically occurs during early adolescence and enables individuals to think about hypothetical situations, reason systematically, and understand concepts like love, justice, and morality.

Jean Piaget's use of the term operational is most aligned with the concept of concrete operational stage in his theory of cognitive development. This stage occurs around ages 7 to 11 when children develop the ability to think logically about concrete events and objects. They can perform operations mentally and understand concepts like conservation and reversibility.

In the preoperational stage, children typically struggle with logical reasoning, egocentrism, and understanding others' perspectives. In the concrete operational stage, children become capable of logical reasoning, understanding conservation principles, and the ability to think about abstract concepts.

Operational command = you can tell them what to do. Operational control = you can make them do it