Abstract
Abstract reasoning is critical for science and mathematics, but is very difficult. In 3 studies, the hypothesis that alternatives generation required for conditional reasoning with false premises facilitates abstract reasoning is examined. Study 1 (n = 372) found that reasoning with false premises improved abstract reasoning in 12- to 15-year-olds. Study 2 (n = 366) found a positive effect of simply generating alternatives, but only in 19-year-olds. Study 3 (n = 92) found that 9- to 11-year-olds were able to respond logically with false premises, whereas no such ability was observed in 6- to 7-year-olds. Reasoning with false premises was found to improve reasoning with semiabstract premises in the older children. These results support the idea that alternatives generation with false premises facilitates abstract reasoning.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 646-60 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Child Development |
| Volume | 82 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Mar 2011 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Age Factors
- Child
- Child Development
- Concept Formation
- Female
- Humans
- Logic
- Male
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Problem Solving
- Psychology, Child
- Semantics
- Verbal Learning
- Young Adult