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Conditional reasoning with false premises facilitates the transition between familiar and abstract reasoning
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Publication details
| Journal | Child Development |
|---|---|
| Date | Published - 18 Mar 2011 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Volume | 82 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Pages (from-to) | 646-60 |
| Original language | English |
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.
- Adolescent, Age Factors, Child, Child Development, Concept Formation, Female, Humans, Logic, Male, Neuropsychological Tests, Problem Solving, Psychology, Child, Semantics, Verbal Learning, Young Adult
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