11. The Psychology of Proof Flashcards
What is the definition of proof?
Argument establishing a fact or truth = drawing an inference
What are four tasks related to proof?
- Explanation
- Diagnosis
- Prediction
- Imagination
What are three types of inference?
- Deduction
- Induction
- Adbuction
What is meant by deduction?
Specific interference
What is meant by induction?
General inference
What is meant by abduction?
“Best explanation available”
What are the three elements of deduction in the mind?
- Structure (form)
- Semantics (function)
Statistics (frequency)
What is an assumption?
Individuals draw conclusions from premises by applying rules of logic to derive a single valid inference
What are three types of inference as logical reasoning?
- Classical syllogisms
- Conditional inferences
- Transitive inferences
The mental models theory states that inferences are drawn by searching for p____ with no c____-e____
Possibilities
Counter-examples
What three things are search for models constrained by?
- Principle of truth
- Working memory capacity
- Procedural semantics
What is meant by “Generation” and “Evaluation” in Ormerod & Richardson predictions?
Generation = flesh out a single model set
Evaluation = compare model sets
What is meant by information gain?
Information = reduction in uncertainty
Reasoning is about expected ….
Information gain (“what if…”) –> utility
What is meant by rarity?
Most events are rare compared with instances where they don’t occur
