Are logical intuitions only make-believe? Reexamining the logic-liking effect

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Reasoning
• Logic and Decision Making

Background:

• The logic-liking effect suggests people intuitively detect argument validity, preferring valid conclusions.
• Previous studies found this effect for conditional and categorical syllogisms but did not control for surface features.
• Surface features, like argument atmosphere, may confound the perceived logic-liking effect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the logic-liking effect persists when controlling for surface feature confounds.
• To examine the role of demand characteristics in participants' liking ratings of arguments.
• To re-evaluate the evidence for intuitive detection of logical argument status.

Main Methods:

• Replicated the logic-liking effect using conditional and categorical syllogisms across five preregistered experiments.
• Controlled for surface feature confounds, specifically argument atmosphere, in invalid conclusions.
• Analyzed data for evidence of demand effects influencing liking ratings.

Main Results:

• The logic-liking effect was replicated but eliminated when controlling for surface feature confounds.
• Evidence suggests participants used argument atmosphere cues, indicating a demand effect.
• The effect was not observed when surface features were neutralized.

Conclusions:

• The findings challenge the notion that people possess intuitive logical intuitions.
• The logic-liking effect appears to be driven by surface features and demand characteristics, not logical detection.
• Further research is needed to understand the interplay between surface cues and reasoning evaluation.