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The Importance of Pragmatic Aspects in Conditional Reasoning

Valiña, Mª Dolores and Seoane, Gloria and Ferraces, Mª José and Martín, Montserrat (1999) The Importance of Pragmatic Aspects in Conditional Reasoning. [Journal (Paginated)]

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Abstract

The importance of pragmatic aspects in conditional reasoning was assessed in the performance of 54 subjects (26 females and 28 male; mean age 17.6 years) on 48 conditional inference problems, using a 3 x 2 x 4 design, with repeated measurements. The independent variables were probability of empirical frequency in the real world,type of conditional rule and scenario availability. Number of correct responses and subjects'certainty about the correctness on their responses were the dependent variables. The results showed: a) the scenario availability is not sufficient in itself to explain differences in performance, but it does affect the subject's degree of confidence in their conclusions; b) there is an interaction between probability of empirical frequency in the real world and type of conditional rule on correct performance. The results were contrasted with the predictions made by the mental models theory and its revised version proposed by Evans (1993). These findings support the semantic theories of conditional reasoning.

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:Deductive Reasoning, Conditional Reasoning, Pragmatic Reasoning, availability of the scenario, empirical relation between antecedent and consequent
Subjects:Psychology > Cognitive Psychology
ID Code:1545
Deposited By: Valiña, Dra. Mª Dolores
Deposited On:08 Jun 2001
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:54

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