What Is Abstract Reasoning?

Abstract reasoning, also known as abstract thinking, involves the ability to

understand and think with complex concepts that, while real, are not tied to
concrete experiences, objects, people, or situations. This type of reasoning
involves thinking about ideas and principles that are often symbolic or
hypothetical.

Abstract reasoning is considered a type of higher-order thinking. This type of

thinking is more complex than the type of thinking that is centered on
memorizing and recalling information and facts.

Examples of Abstract Reasoning

Examples of abstract concepts include ideas such as:

 Humor
 Imagination
 Friendship
 Freedom
 Jealousy
 Success
 Love
 Growth
 Happiness
 Hope
 Wisdom

While these things are real, they aren't concrete, physical things that people
can experience directly via their traditional senses.

Abstract vs. Concrete Reasoning

One way of thinking about abstract concepts is to contrast them with
concrete ones. Concrete reasoning is tied to specific experiences or objects
that can be observed directly.

Research suggests that concrete thinkers tend to focus more on the

procedures involved in how a task should be performed, while abstract
thinkers are more focused on the reasons why a task should be performed