[mathsfrank]

Is there a specific name in psychology for when a person can understand an example but cannot understand how it applies to a question?
In mathematics I do not have much trouble understanding a diagram or a theory or an example but when I try to answer the questions based on it it is like a brick wall, I’m always fogged as to how the example works in the question.
Now that I’m retired I would like to have another go at doing maths and I want to start by trying to understand why I can never see the example working in the question.
Is there an area of psychology that covers this?
Thank you.
Frank

[SnakeCharmer]

The subject area you're looking for is concrete vs. abstract thought.

Understanding the example, but not being able to generalize it to a larger question is a good example of concrete thinking.

You want to learn how to think more abstractly. I've read that the majority of people are more comfortable with concrete thinking, but that we can learn to think more abstractly with practice and tutorials.

If you google "abstract thinking" you'll find much useful info on this subject.

Personally, I find the subject fascinating. After a head injury, I had to relearn how to think abstractly. In time, it came back to me, but in the beginning I was stuck. The neurologist told me that head injuries, even small amounts of alcohol, some medications, street drugs, marijuana, bad nutrition, aging and boredom combined with lack of curiosity can all push a person toward concrete thinking.

[mathsfrank]

Originally Posted by SnakeCharmer

The subject area you're looking for is concrete vs. abstract thought.

Understanding the example, but not being able to generalize it to a larger question is a good example of concrete thinking.

You want to learn how to think more abstractly. I've read that the majority of people are more comfortable with concrete thinking, but that we can learn to think more abstractly with practice and tutorials.

If you google "abstract thinking" you'll find much useful info on this subject.

Personally, I find the subject fascinating. After a head injury, I had to relearn how to think abstractly. In time, it came back to me, but in the beginning I was stuck. The neurologist told me that head injuries, even small amounts of alcohol, some medications, street drugs, marijuana, bad nutrition, aging and boredom combined with lack of curiosity can all push a person toward concrete thinking.

Thank you. That is the only time anyone has given to me some help about it. (so much for school education!!!)
Best Regards

[eskielover]

(so much for school education!!!)

LOL....the best education comes from the "school of hard knocks". We learn the most through experience in our life......it gives us the questions & the answers by working through things & sometimes finding many different ways to solve the same problem