What is Concrete Thinking? Let’s Break it Down.
Concrete thinking is the ability to think and comprehend based on tangible objects and real experiences. It is one of the fundamental ways in which humans perceive reality and make sense of their environment. In contrast to abstract thinking, which involves conceptualizing ideas and using imagination, concrete thinking is more focused on the here and now. It is a vital cognitive skill that allows individuals to learn and interact with the world around them.
How does concrete thinking work?
Concrete thinking relies on direct sensory input, such as sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. For example, when someone sees a flower, they can visually identify its color, size, shape and texture. Concrete thinkers tend to rely on their senses to process information, which means they prefer hands-on experiences to theoretical concepts. They tend to be practical and solution-oriented, preferring to focus on the ‘what’ rather than the ‘why.’
Why is concrete thinking important?
Concrete thinking helps people to understand information in a way that is practical, observable and verifiable. It allows them to make sense of the world around them, as well as to solve problems and make decisions based on real-life situations. This type of thinking is especially important in fields that require physical or practical skills, such as construction, engineering, and the trades. Concrete thinking is also critical for early childhood development, as it allows young children to learn through play and hands-on experiences.
What are the characteristics of concrete thinking?
Concrete thinking is characterized by several distinct features, including the following:
- Tangible and observable; relies on direct sensory experiences
- Practical and problem-solving oriented
- Relies on past experiences and knowledge, rather than abstract ideas
- Literal and straightforward; may struggle with figurative language or metaphorical phrases
- More focused on the ‘what’ rather than the ‘why’
What are some examples of concrete thinking?
Some examples of concrete thinking include:
- Identifying the color, shape, and texture of an apple
- Counting and adding physical objects, such as blocks or beads
- Following a recipe to bake a cake
- Assembling furniture according to instructions
How does concrete thinking differ from abstract thinking?
Concrete thinking is concerned with tangible and observable information, while abstract thinking deals with ideas and concepts that cannot be seen or touched. Abstract thinking requires more imagination and creativity, as it involves thoughts and theories that don’t necessarily have a physical existence. Examples of abstract thinking include concepts like justice, love, and truth.
Why is abstract thinking important?
Abstract thinking is important because it allows people to think in creative and innovative ways. It helps individuals to form opinions and thoughts about complex issues, as well as to understand and navigate social and cultural norms. It is critical for success in fields like math, science, and art, where concepts like symbolism, hypothesis testing, and advanced problem-solving are required.
What are the characteristics of abstract thinking?
Abstract thinking is characterized by several distinct features, including the following:
- Goes beyond the tangible and observable
- Relies on imagination and creativity
- Deals with theoretical concepts rather than physical reality
- May involve metaphorical or abstract language
- Focuses on the ‘why’ rather than the ‘what’
What are some examples of abstract thinking?
Some examples of abstract thinking include:
- Forming an opinion on a controversial issue, such as abortion or healthcare
- Constructing an abstract painting or sculpture
- Debating the meaning of a novel or poem
- Developing hypotheses about the behavior of electrons in a chemical reaction
Are concrete and abstract thinking mutually exclusive?
No, concrete and abstract thinking are not mutually exclusive. People use both types of thinking in their everyday lives, depending on the situation and the task at hand. For example, a doctor may use concrete thinking to diagnose a patient’s symptoms, while using abstract thinking to develop a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of the illness. Similarly, an artist may rely on concrete thinking to choose colors and materials for a project, while using abstract thinking to explore new techniques and styles.
How can you improve your concrete thinking skills?
Improving your concrete thinking skills can help you become more effective in your personal and professional life. Here are some tips for enhancing your concrete thinking abilities:
- Engage in hands-on activities that require practical problem-solving, such as woodworking, gardening, or cooking
- Use visual aids like diagrams, charts or maps to help you organize and process information
- Practice observing and describing your physical environment in detail, such as identifying the colors and textures of objects in a room or the patterns of leaves on a tree
- Challenge yourself to connect different physical objects or experiences in creative and unexpected ways, such as imagining how the smell of cinnamon could be related to the sound of a train whistle
Conclusion
Concrete thinking is a fundamental cognitive skill that allows individuals to make sense of the world around them in a practical and tangible way. It is different from abstract thinking, which involves ideas and concepts that cannot be observed directly. While concrete and abstract thinking are not mutually exclusive, improving your concrete thinking skills can help you become more effective in your personal and professional life.
Most common questions and their answers about concrete thinking
- Q: What is the difference between concrete and abstract thinking?
- A: Concrete thinking is focused on tangible and observable information, while abstract thinking deals with ideas and concepts that cannot be seen or touched.
- Q: What are some examples of concrete thinking?
- A: Examples of concrete thinking include identifying the color and texture of an apple, counting blocks, following a recipe to bake a cake, and assembling furniture.
- Q: Why is concrete thinking important?
- A: Concrete thinking helps people understand information in a way that is practical and observable, which allows them to make sense of the world around them and solve problems in real-life situations.
- Q: How can I improve my concrete thinking skills?
- A: You can improve your concrete thinking skills by engaging in hands-on activities that require practical problem-solving, using visual aids to organize information, and practicing observation and description of your physical environment in detail.
References
- Brown, H. D. (2015). Principles of language learning and teaching (6th ed.). White Plains, NY: Pearson Education.
- Johnson, B. (2014). One hour of code can teach students—And teachers—the basics of computer programming. Learning & Leading with Technology, 42(5), 40-41.
- Keselman, A., & Arnhold, A. (2008). The relationship between reasoning about one’s own beliefs and beliefs about others. Cognition and Instruction, 26(3), 383-400.
- Parrott, W. G., & Hackett, J. D. (2012). Emotions in social psychology. Psychology Press.