Postformal thinking is a concept that has emerged in the field of developmental psychology as an extension and criticism of the model proposed by Jean Piaget. As researchers have explored beyond Piaget's established ideas about the stages of cognitive development, they have found that postformal thinking offers a more complete and complex perspective on the way individuals process information and solve problems in the world. real world.
Piaget's model: limits and criticisms
Jean Piaget is one of the most influential psychologists in the field of development cognitive, and his theory of developmental stages has been fundamental in understanding how children and adolescents acquire cognitive skills. According to Piaget, individuals go through four stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
While Piaget's theory has been invaluable in understanding cognitive development, it has been the subject of criticisms and limitations. One of the main problems with Piaget's model is its focus on formal-logical thinking as the culminating stage of cognitive development. Piaget suggested that once individuals reach the stage of formal operations, they are able to think abstractly and logically about all aspects of life.
Criticisms of Piaget's approach
Later research has shown that thinking does not develop as linearly and uniformly as Piaget suggests. Many studies have found that adults continue to develop new cognitive abilities beyond what was considered the final stage of development according to Piaget. This discrepancy led to the emergence of the concept of postformal thinking.
The emergence of postformal thinking
Postformal thinking is a term used to describe the ability of individuals to address complex problems. in a flexible and adaptive way, and to recognize the subjective and relative nature of knowledge. Unlike Piaget's formal thinking, which focuses on logic and objectivity, postformal thinking recognizes ambiguity, uncertainty, and multiple perspectives in problem solving.
The concept of postformal thinking has has been influenced by theorists such as Kegan, Fischer, and Commons, who have argued that cognitive development does not stop at the formal operations stage, but continues throughout adult life. According to these theorists, postformal thinking involves the ability to handle complexity, contradiction, and uncertainty in a way that goes beyond what Piaget described in his theory.
Characteristics of postformal thinking
Postformal thinking is characterized by several distinctive qualities that separate it from Piaget's formal thinking. Some of these characteristics include:
- Cognitive relativism:Individuals who use postformal thinking recognize that knowledge is relative and subjective, and that different perspectives can have validity in different contexts.
- Metaknowledge: The ability to reflect on one's own thinking process and to be aware of one's own limitations and cognitive biases.
- Flexibility and adaptability:The ability to adjust the problem-solving approach based on the demands of the situation, as well as to recognize the complexity and ambiguity inherent in many problems.
- Tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty: The willingness to accept and manage uncertainty and contradiction in decision making and problem solving.
Implications of thinking postformal
The recognition and understanding of postformal thinking has important implications in different areas, such as education, psychology, decision making and leadership. In the educational field, for example, understanding the development of postformal thinking can help educators design teaching strategies that foster students' ability to address complex problems and manage ambiguity.
In the field From psychology, the study of postformal thinking can shed light on how individuals process information in complex contexts and how critical and reflective thinking skills develop throughout life. Understanding postformal thinking can also be useful in therapy and counseling, as it can help professionals work with clients who are facing ambiguous or contradictory situations.
Practical Applications
In addition, postformal thinking also has significant implications for decision making and leadership. Individuals who use postformal thinking are able to consider multiple perspectives, manage ambiguity and uncertainty, and make informed decisions in complex and dynamic environments. In the field of leadership, the ability to think postformally can be an advantage in addressing complex problems and fostering innovation and change.
Conclusions
In summary, postformal thinking represents an extension and evolution of the model proposed by Piaget on cognitive development. By recognizing the complexity, ambiguity, and relativity of knowledge, postformal thinking offers a more complete and flexible perspective on how individuals process information and solve problems in the real world. Understanding and appreciating postformal thinking has important implications in diverse fields, from education to leadership, and can contribute to a deeper understanding of the human mind and its ability to adapt and grow throughout life.