Abstract Thinking: What It Is, Examples And How To Develop It

He Abstract thinking either formal thinking consists of the ability to think independently of the reality that is shown to us in a concrete way< It allows the human being to think about different scenarios and possibilities among which, of course, is concrete reality

In the simplified example that we have presented in the introduction, the child is not able to think beyond the reality in front of him, which is that the television does not turn on. The adult, however, may think further, establish hypotheses, test them and thus solve the problem.

Abstract thinking, contextualized in Piaget’s theory, appears in the last stage of development: the stage of formal operations. For Vygotsky, it is precisely this acquisition that marks the difference between the thinking of the child and the thinking of the adolescent.

Understanding Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking refers to the mental process of contemplating ideas, concepts, and principles that are detached from specific instances or contexts. Unlike concrete thinking, which deals with tangible objects and observable phenomena, abstract thinking involves conceptualization, analysis, and synthesis of information at a higher level of abstraction. It enables individuals to grasp the underlying patterns, relationships, and implications inherent in diverse situations, thereby facilitating creative problem-solving and critical decision-making.

Significance of Abstract Thinking

The significance of abstract thinking lies in its ability to transcend the constraints of immediate reality and conventional wisdom. By fostering a deeper understanding of abstract concepts and principles, individuals can navigate complex scenarios with agility and insight. Abstract thinking empowers individuals to:

1. Foster Creativity and Innovation

Abstract thinking encourages divergent thought processes, allowing individuals to generate novel ideas, perspectives, and solutions. By breaking free from conventional constraints and exploring unconventional possibilities, abstract thinkers drive innovation and creativity across various fields, from technology and science to art and literature.

2. Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

Abstract thinking equips individuals with the analytical tools and mental flexibility needed to tackle multifaceted problems effectively. By discerning underlying patterns, identifying root causes, and envisioning alternative approaches, abstract thinkers can devise innovative solutions to complex challenges, driving progress and advancement.

3. Promote Strategic Planning

Abstract thinking enables individuals to envision long-term goals, anticipate future trends, and develop strategic plans to achieve desired outcomes. By synthesizing disparate information and discerning emerging patterns, abstract thinkers can formulate robust strategies that adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for growth and success.

What age is abstracts thinking

Abstract thinking typically begins to emerge during early adolescence, around the ages of 11 to 14 years old, and continues to develop throughout adolescence and into adulthood. This cognitive ability allows individuals to think in terms of concepts, ideas, and hypothetical scenarios, rather than relying solely on concrete, tangible experiences. With abstract thinking, individuals can understand and analyze complex concepts, make predictions, think critically, and engage in creative problem-solving.

Practical Applications of Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking finds applications across a wide range of domains, from scientific research and engineering to business management and artistic expression. Some practical applications include:

1. Scientific Discovery

In scientific research, abstract thinking plays a fundamental role in hypothesis formulation, experimental design, and theoretical modeling. Scientists leverage abstract concepts and mathematical frameworks to elucidate complex phenomena, advance knowledge, and drive technological innovation.

2. Business Strategy

In the business world, abstract thinking informs strategic decision-making, market analysis, and competitive positioning. Business leaders rely on abstract reasoning to identify emerging trends, assess competitive threats, and devise innovative strategies that drive sustainable growth and profitability.

3. Artistic Creation

In the realm of art and creativity, abstract thinking fuels artistic expression, aesthetic exploration, and conceptual innovation. Artists use abstract concepts, symbolism, and metaphorical imagery to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and challenge perceptions, fostering cultural enrichment and artistic diversity.

Cultivating Abstract Thinking Skills

While abstract thinking is often regarded as an innate ability, it can be cultivated and enhanced through deliberate practice and cognitive stimulation. Some strategies for cultivating abstract thinking skills include:

1. Engage in Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem by exploring various perspectives, ideas, and possibilities. Engaging in activities such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and lateral thinking exercises can stimulate divergent thinking skills and foster creativity.

2. Explore Interdisciplinary Connections

Interdisciplinary learning exposes individuals to diverse fields of knowledge, fostering cross-disciplinary connections and insights. By exploring intersections between different disciplines, individuals can gain new perspectives, expand their intellectual horizons, and cultivate abstract thinking skills.

3. Practice Reflective Thinking

Reflective thinking involves introspection, analysis, and synthesis of information to derive deeper insights and understanding. By reflecting on past experiences, analyzing complex issues, and synthesizing disparate information, individuals can refine their abstract thinking skills and enhance their problem-solving abilities.

As we have indicated, formal thinking is what characterizes the Piaget’s last stage of cognitive development Piagetian theory postulates that cognitive development occurs throughout several phases or stages, more or less lasting depending on each person but necessarily successive.

The acquisition of abstract thinking begins around the age of 11 (incipient formal stage) and is consolidated from the age of 14 or 15 (advanced formal stage). Although it is true that Piaget modifies his initial theories and indicates that it is at the age of 20 when this evolutionary acquisition is consolidated (Aguilar Villagrán, M., Navarro Guzmán, JI, López Pavón, JM and Alcalde Cuevas, C., 2002 )^(1)</sup.

Until this acquisition occurs in adolescence, the child has gone through several stages of development in which his or her way of thinking has been qualitatively different.

1. Sensory-motor stage

It covers from birth to two years of age and is linked to sensory and motor development. The baby’s thinking would be circumscribed “here and now”

2. Preoperational stage

This stage ranges from approximately 2 to 7 years old. At this stage arises the symbolic thinking, so that the child can think about events or objects that are not present at that moment. He may think about the ball you showed him a few days ago or the toy his schoolmate has and he liked it so much.

3. Stage of concrete operations

Although from 7 to 11 years old children are capable of doing complex mental operations (conservation tasks, classification, serialization, etc.) their way of thinking has a limitation, and that is that the child has to manipulate things or see them to be able to think about them. If you ask him to imagine them he will not give a correct answer. In the preoperational stage, therefore, they begin to use logic and mental operations but only for facts and objects in their environment, their concrete reality.

4. Formal operations stage

For Piaget, the most important characteristic of this new way of thinking would be the fact that being able to think in terms of possibilities and not just realities< Adolescents go beyond immediate reality and begin to discover that reality can be much broader than what is in front of them, which will significantly influence their behavior

Following Sierra, P. and Brioso, A. (2006)⁽²⁾the adolescent differentiates between what is real and what is possible, necessarily using hypothetico-deductive reasoning and reasoning about verbal statements instead of reasoning about concrete objects.

This would be the last stage of Piagetian theory, however the existence of post-formal thought, subsequent to formal thought, has been proposed. This postformal thinking would go beyond formal reasoning that yields right or wrong results and would propose solutions relative to problems.

In the introduction of this article we have presented a simplified example of abstract thinking in which the person is capable of thinking about hypotheses and possibilities beyond what concrete reality shows them.

• Deductive reasoning It is a clear example of abstract thinking. Trying to exemplify this type of reasoning, we can think “All people breathe. “My cousin is a person, therefore my cousin breathes.”
• Make hypotheses In a more ecological and less theoretical example, imagine that you have met a friend who is late. You write him a message and he doesn’t answer. Our abstract thinking will allow us to establish hypotheses about what could have happened: he forgot something and turned around, the bus was delayed, there is a traffic jam, he doesn’t want to answer us, a problem has arisen, etc
• Create a work of art It is an example of obstructed thinking, whether it is the colors in a painting or the notes in a piece of music.
• Imagine the future : the future is something that we cannot touch or know, so it is part of abstract thinking. For example: making future plans or simply thinking about the future are examples of abstract thinking.
• Analyze the past : Leaving the present means using this type of thinking, so reflecting on the past is another example of abstract thinking.

In general, any task that requires deductive reasoning or requires the person to think about various possibilities will trigger formal thinking mechanisms. For example:

• Solving mathematical problems : in these we must apply mathematical rules and formulas and, on many occasions, we need to think about the problem from different perspectives to find the solution, therefore, it is a good exercise in abstract reasoning.
• Solving riddles and riddles:  This abstract reasoning activity helps develop this type of thinking since to solve them we will have to go beyond their literal message.
• Resolution of syllogisms : we can offer two premises and request the conclusion.

Abstract thinking is a vital cognitive skill that empowers individuals to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and drive progress in an ever-changing world. By cultivating abstract thinking skills and embracing creative thinking, individuals can unlock new possibilities, overcome challenges, and shape a brighter future for themselves and society as a whole.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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