Which type of units refers to higher-level abstractions found within text?

The correct answer is the thematic units. Thematic units refer to the overarching ideas or main themes present in a text. They capture the essence of what the text is about, allowing for understanding of the larger concepts being conveyed. This involves identifying and interpreting the significant topics that recur in the content, which means these units operate on a higher abstract level compared to more granular elements.

Thematic units are essential for analyzing complex texts, as they help distill the fundamental messages or arguments being presented. This abstraction enables readers to engage comprehensively with materials, making connections between different parts of the text and with external ideas or frameworks.

In contrast, referential units usually deal with specific references or details made in the text, propositional units focus on the individual statements or propositions that are declared, and statistical units are based on quantitative data. None of these types encapsulate the broad and abstract nature of themes found within texts, which is why thematic units is the most appropriate choice.