what is reasoning?
inferring a conclusion from some initial information or premises
what is inductive reasoning?
making broad generalisations based on specific observations
are conclusions drawn from inductive reasoning true?
usually
do people follow rules of probability when reasoning?
no - often rely on heuristics (mental shortcuts that reduce cognitive load)
what are cons of the use of heuristics?
- can increase errors
- lead to bias e.g. stereotyping
what is the availability heuristic?
- a representation that is immediately available
- works well in a range of contexts
what is the conjunction fallacy?
the wrong assumption that 2 specific conditions are more probable than 1 condition
outline hypothesis testing?
- a form of inductive reasoning
- gain evidence to confirm and falsify the hypothesis
can hypothesis testing ever fully support the hypothesis?
no
what is confirmation bias?
seeking to confirm a hypothesis but failing to attempt to disprove it
are there times when confirmation testing is more appropriate than falsifying?
yes e.g. drug trials
what are cons of inductive reasoning?
- reliance on heuristics not statistics
- heuristics are error prone
- people typically attempt to prove hypotheses (conf bias) rather than disprove - leads to more errors
what is deductive reasoning?
drawing definite conclusions based on formal logic
what are the two types of deductive reasoning?
- syllogistic
- conditional
what is syllogistic reasoning?
when two statements or premises followed by a conclusion
is syllogistic reasoning common in real life?
not really
what is conditional reasoning?
reasoning using logical operators - if, and, or
is conditional reasoning common in real life?
yes, used more frequently in day to day life
what is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?
inductive - can only draw a probable conclusion
deductive - can draw a definite conclusion
Goel & Dolan (2004) found inductive & deductive reasoning to activate which brain areas in neurotypicals using fMRI?
inductive - left dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus
deductive - left inferior frontal gyrus
Bechara et al. (1999) Iowa gambling task - p’s w damage to what brain area performed poorly e.g. staying with bad decks?
pre frontal cortex
what is Domasio et al.’s (1996) somatic marker hypothesis? (in relation to Iowa gambling task)
we move away from bad decks because our emotional system is warning us about the potential losses - suggests emotional system has a direct influence on decision making
