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Transfer of conditional reasoning: effects of explanations and initial problem types
Memory & Cognition
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study explored reasoning transfer on Wason
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Reasoning
Background:
- Wason's selection task is a classic test of deductive reasoning.
- The 'thematic effect' shows people perform better on concrete, thematic problems than abstract ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how explanations and problem characteristics influence reasoning transfer.
- To examine the role of problem similarity and explanation type on transfer.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted using Wason's selection task.
- Varied factors included problem type (abstract vs. thematic), explanations, verbalization, and problem similarity.
Main Results:
- Explanations facilitated reasoning transfer, especially from abstract to abstract problems.
- Transfer was greater from abstract problems than thematic ones, and particularly to similar problem types.
- Verbalization did not enhance transfer; problem similarity had no effect on thematic problems.
Conclusions:
- Reasoning transfer is influenced by explanation and problem type, with abstract problems showing greater transfer potential.
- Findings support the pragmatic reasoning schema hypothesis, suggesting abstract rules are more transferable.
- Understanding these factors can inform cognitive training and educational strategies.
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