Final answer:
A formal operational thinker tends to think more abstractly compared to a concrete operational child. This stage allows adolescents to handle abstract ideas, hypothetical situations, and to solve problems using advanced analytical skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to a concrete operational child, a formal operational thinker tends to think more abstractly. This is because during the formal operational stage, which begins from about 11 years old and continues into adulthood, adolescents develop the ability to deal with abstract ideas and hypothetical situations, a significant advancement compared to the concrete operational stage where children are able to think logically only about real (concrete) events.
Adolescents at this stage of cognitive development can use abstract thinking to problem solve and are adept at considering multiple points of view, debating ideas, and imagining various outcomes. They are typically more analytical in their thought processes, allowing for problem-solving that can incorporate both logical reasoning and emotional consideration.