Abstract Reasoning

Synonyms

Logical reasoning

Definition

The neuropsychological construct of abstract reasoning refers to an individual’s ability to recognize patterns and relationships of theoretical or intangible ideas. Abstract reasoning is contrary to concrete reasoning whereby an individual recognizes patterns in information obtained through the immediate senses. When thinking abstractly, an individual must analyze and synthesize information without the aid of empirical information. Frequently, abstract reasoning requires an individual to apply concrete information to other scenarios that may not directly relate to that person’s experience.

Abstract reasoning is most closely related to rational thought as opposed to empirical thought. While using deductive reasoning, a purely rational thinker does not look to determine the accuracy of a premise, but seeks only to understand the relationship between the premises. An example of deductive reasoning, which requires abstract reasoning, may go like this:

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