Final answer:
Mia, who must choose between attending a college away from home or a community college, is in Piaget's formal operational stage, capable of abstract reasoning and logical decision-making about her future.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described with Mia deliberating between attending a college away from home or a community college while living at home is best understood through Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development. Considering Mia is making important life choices, Piaget would likely categorize her in the formal operational stage, which is the final stage of his theory. This stage typically begins at age 11 and continues into adulthood. Individuals in this stage are capable of abstract thinking, logical reasoning, and understanding hypothetical situations. Mia is demonstrating her ability to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of her college options, which requires the higher-level cognitive skills characteristic of this stage of development.
During this time, young adults like Mia often experience the challenges outlined by Erikson's stage of identity versus role confusion. They are figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives, seeking a balance between gaining independence and managing financial realities. This is a pivotal moment as they transition into early adulthood, confronting questions of self-identity and the direction of their future.