Which of the following stages involves understanding different perspectives and deductive reasoning?

The Formal Operations Stage is the correct answer because, during this developmental phase, typically occurring from around age 12 onwards, individuals begin to think abstractly and logically. This stage is characterized by the ability to understand complex concepts beyond the concrete and tangible. It allows for the use of deductive reasoning, where individuals can draw logical conclusions from premises. For example, a person in this stage can grasp hypothetical situations and consider different perspectives, which enhances their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

In contrast, the other stages do not emphasize these cognitive advancements to the same extent. The Concrete Operational Stage focuses more on logical thinking regarding physical objects and concrete events, but it does not yet allow for abstract reasoning. The Preoperational Stage is characterized by symbolic thinking and egocentrism, where children may struggle to understand viewpoints different from their own. The Sensorimotor Stage, occurring in infancy, centers around sensory experiences and motor actions, lacking the capacity for perspective-taking and deductive reasoning altogether.