Abstract reasoning: impacts, examples, and how to use it
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what abstract reasoning is, including examples and its impact. Plus, how to use abstract reasons to enhance your problem-solving and critical thinking.
Abstract reasoning is a key thinking skill that can help you find patterns and understand relationships. And while it sounds complex—and it is—you likely use abstract reasoning every day without realizing it. For example, reorganizing a room, making financial decisions, and organizing meetings require you to use abstract reasoning, as you’re considering abstract concepts and applying logic to draw conclusions and solve puzzles. As a result, improving your abstract reasoning skills can make it easier for you to navigate problems and come up with creative ideas in school, work, and daily life.
What is abstract reasoning?
Abstract reasoning involves thinking about ideas and concepts that aren’t physically present. Basically, you’re recognizing patterns, making connections, and trying to understand complex relationships. For example, when you’re solving a math problem, abstract reasoning can help you make sense of formulas and see how they apply to different situations.
How does abstract reasoning differ from concrete reasoning?
Abstract reasoning and concrete reasoning are two different ways of thinking. Abstract reasoning involves thinking about ideas and concepts, rather than solid objects in front of you. You use abstract reasoning to make connections between different ideas, or identify trends and patterns. If you’re working on a math problem, using a formula requires abstract reasoning because you need to understand how the formula works, and how to apply it in different conditions.
Concrete reasoning focuses on physical objects and straightforward facts. It deals with things you can see and touch. If you’re following a recipe or assembling a piece of furniture, you’re working with specific, tangible items and clear instructions, which involves using concrete reasoning skills.
Examples of abstract reasoning
Pattern recognition: You can identify sequences and predict future elements in a series. For example, you might recognize that the number sequence 2, 4, 6, 8 increases by two each time.
Analogies: You can understand relationships between different concepts or objects. For instance, you can recognize that the relationship between a key and a lock is similar to the relationship between a password and a computer.
Classification: You can group items based on shared characteristics and identify those that don’t fit. For instance, you can sort shapes by size or color and recognize which don’t have anything in common.
Problem-solving scenarios: You can solve puzzles and complex problems, such as understanding clues and finding words that fit in a crossword puzzle.
6 impacts of abstract reasoning
Abstract reasoning can positively impact your thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
1. Enhance problem-solving abilities
Seeing connections that aren’t immediately obvious can help you predict outcomes based on patterns you’ve observed. In uncertain situations, abstract reasoning can help you consider various possibilities and potential outcomes, so you can choose the best course of action. For example, if you’re a parent, you’ve probably used abstract reasoning to figure out the best way to get your child to go to sleep.
2. Improve creativity and innovation
Connecting concepts from different areas can lead to creative new approaches, helping you come up with new ideas and solutions. Artists use abstract reasoning to create new works and scientists often rely on it to make discoveries.
3. Boost academic and professional performance
Subjects and careers in areas like science, technology, engineering, and math use abstract reasoning to understand complex theories, analyze data, and solve problems. These skills can help you tackle tough projects, develop plans, and make smart decisions.
4. Strengthen cognitive flexibility
Adapting easily to new information and perspectives can help you analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. Cognitive flexibility lets you change your thinking, adopt new strategies, and approach problems from different angles. This can be useful in areas like business, because you’re able to respond to market changes and stay competitive.
5. Improve learning and comprehension
Strong abstract reasoning skills make it easier to learn and understand complex ideas, principles, and theories, which can be useful in subjects like physics, philosophy, and economics.
6. Better interpersonal relationships
Enhanced ability to understand, empathize, and discuss complex ideas with others can be valuable if you’re managing a team or assuming a leadership role. By recognizing the underlying emotions and motives in others, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
How to use abstract reasoning: 8 tips
These tips can help you flex your abstract reasoning “muscle” and soak up the potential benefits.
1. Practice with puzzles and games
Chess, Sudoku, and logic puzzles can challenge your brain to think abstractly as you anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan several steps ahead.
2. Develop critical thinking skills
Don’t take new information at face value. Instead, analyze it critically — ask probing questions, challenge assumptions, and consider different explanations. For example, when you’re reading an article, ask yourself about the author’s assumptions and the evidence supporting their claims.
💙 Stop yourself from jumping to conclusions and Check Your Assumptions with guidance from Jay Shetty.
3. Apply abstract reasoning in work and study
In a business setting, you might apply abstract reasoning to identify trends in sales data and develop a marketing strategy that would work for your product. In school, you could apply abstract reasoning to understand complex theories and solve challenging problems in subjects like math and science.
4. Improve through continuous learning
Read books, take courses, and take part in discussions that introduce you to new ways of thinking — such as philosophy, psychology, or advanced math. Learning about new concepts can help expand your cognitive abilities and enhance your abstract reasoning skills.
💙 Tune into The Spark’s episode on Choosing Growth to learn how to explore the depths of your potential.
5. Use mind-mapping techniques
Create mind maps to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, or plan projects to help you organize information and see relationships between different concepts. This can encourage you to think abstractly, outline core tasks, and identify dependencies when you’re planning a project.
6. Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can help you focus, reduce stress, and increase your awareness of different approaches to problems. Mindfulness can help you stay calm and think clearly when you’re faced with a challenge, allowing you to come up with creative solutions.
💙 Start with Tamara Levitt’s Meditation for Beginners series if you’re new to meditating.
7. Engage in creative activities
Boost your creativity by drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument. For example, writing a story requires you to create characters and plotlines, which involves thinking abstractly about relationships and events.
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8. Collaborate with others
Work with others to solve problems and come up with ideas, so you can experience different perspectives and approaches.
Assessing and improving your abstract reasoning skills
Here are a few ways you can assess and improve your abstract reasoning skills so that you’re able to think better and solve problems more effectively.
Practice standardized tests
Standardized tests can help you measure your abstract reasoning abilities. These tests often include puzzles and problems that require abstract thinking.
IQ tests: Intelligence quotient (IQ) tests often have sections specifically designed to measure abstract reasoning, like pattern recognition, analogies, and logical reasoning problems.
Aptitude assessments: Often used in hiring processes, aptitude assessments evaluate abstract reasoning skills to help employers see how candidates think critically and solve problems.
Educational assessments: Schools sometimes use assessments to help identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Look for learning opportunities
Practice and develop your abstract reasoning skills by using various resources and tools.
Online platforms: There are many websites and apps that offer games and exercises designed to improve cognitive skills.
Books and workbooks: You can solve puzzles and do problems and exercises to strengthen your skills.
Educational courses: Schools and online platforms offer courses on logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Seek feedback and reflect
Use feedback from assessments to improve and track your progress.
Review assessment results: Look at your performance on standardized tests and other assessments. Identify the types of problems you find challenging and focus on improving those areas.
Seek constructive feedback: Ask for feedback from teachers, mentors, or colleagues. They may provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
Reflect on your problem-solving process: Take time to reflect on your thought process. Consider what strategies worked well and what you could do better.
Set goals: Based on your assessments and reflections, set specific, achievable goals for improving your abstract reasoning skills. Regularly review and adjust these goals as you make progress.
Practice mindfulness and meditation: Support your cognitive flexibility and your ability to focus when solving problems.
Explore new interests: Learn about new subjects and hobbies to stimulate your brain.
Abstract reasoning FAQs
Can abstract reasoning skills be improved at any age?
You can improve abstract reasoning skills at any age. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change—means you can enhance your cognitive abilities, including abstract reasoning, throughout your life.
Challenge yourself with puzzles, logic games, and strategy games like chess.
Learn new skills, such as playing a musical instrument or a new language.
Take part in discussions and listen to diverse viewpoints.
What careers benefit the most from strong abstract reasoning abilities?
Many careers benefit from strong abstract reasoning abilities, especially those that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding complex concepts.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): Engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and computer programmers rely heavily on abstract reasoning when they’re dealing with complex theories, analyzing data, and solving problems.
Medicine and healthcare: Strong abstract reasoning skills can help doctors diagnose patients, understand medical research, and develop treatment plans.
Education: Teachers use abstract reasoning skills to explain complex concepts and inspire critical thinking in their students.
Business and finance: Financial analysts, consultants, and managers analyze market trends, develop strategies, and solve complex financial problems.
Creative industries: Artists, writers, and designers develop new ideas and create innovative works by understanding abstract concepts.
Are there any drawbacks to having highly developed abstract reasoning skills?
While strong abstract reasoning skills are generally beneficial, there can be some drawbacks if it becomes too much of a focus. Always balance abstract reasoning with a practical approach and clear communication.
Overthinking: People with highly developed abstract reasoning abilities might over analyze situations, spending so much time considering hypothetical scenarios that it might become difficult to make quick decisions. This can lead to indecision or anxiety.
Miscommunication: Those who excel in abstract reasoning might find it tricky to communicate their ideas to others who think more concretely. Miscommunications may lead to misunderstandings.
How do abstract reasoning skills contribute to emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships?
Abstract reasoning skills can help enhance emotional intelligence and relationships.
Understand complex emotions: Recognizing and understanding the complexity of human emotions can allow you to empathize with others and respond appropriately.
See different perspectives: Considering different viewpoints and the underlying reasons for others’ behaviors and reactions can improve your ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.
Predict outcomes: By understanding patterns and relationships, you can anticipate the consequences of your actions on others, which can help you navigate social situations.
Develop empathy: Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can strengthen your connections with others, which can help you build meaningful relationships.
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