People who have strong abstract thinking skills tend to score well on intelligence tests. Because this type of thinking is associated with creativity, abstract thinkers also tend to excel in areas that require creativity such as art, writing, and other areas that benefit from divergent thinking abilities.

Abstract thinking skills are associated with high levels of intelligence. And since abstract thinking is associated with creativity, it may often be found in gifted individuals who are innovators. Learning disabilities can inhibit the development of abstract reasoning skills.

Abstract reasoning is the ability to think about intangible or unobservable ideas and things. Abstract thinkers prefer to think in terms of generalizations, ideas, and deeper conceptual meanings.

The Abstract Reasoning test assesses candidates' fluid intelligence, their ability to think laterally and recognize patterns. It's an ideal test for pre-employment screening. The majority of today's office-based jobs require the ability to come to logical conclusions.