Final answer:
Cognitive development focuses on the advancement of thinking and reasoning abilities and is a key component of cognitive psychology. It includes the growth of cognitive functions such as critical thinking and schemata, with adolescents typically reaching the formal operational stage of cognitive development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Development that focuses on thinking and reasoning with specific clusters that are important in all aspects of learning is generally referred to as cognitive development. This concept is deeply rooted in cognitive psychology, which studies human cognition, or the brain's ability to think, perceive, plan, analyze, and remember. It encompasses the development of higher-level cognitive processes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and abstract reasoning.
According to renowned psychologist Jean Piaget, cognitive abilities develop through specific stages, culminating in the highest level known as formal operational thought. This stage typically develops between 11 and 20 years old and is marked by the ability to think abstractly and consider hypothetical situations. Some psychologists propose an additional stage called postformal thinking, which integrates logic with emotion and decisions that depend on contexts.
The development of schemata, clusters of related concepts, is crucial in cognitive development as they assist in organizing thinking and acting as mental shortcuts in various situations. Through cognitive development, adolescents and adults enhance their critical thinking and analytical abilities, ensuring a genuine understanding of the concepts at hand.