Psychology of Proof

Question 1

Define proof

Answer 1

Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement

Question 2

Give 3 other tasks related to proof

Answer 2

• Explanation
• Diagnosis
• Prediction
• Imagination

Question 3

Name the 3 types of inference

Answer 3

• Deduction (specific)
• Induction (general)
• Abduction (best explanation available)

Question 4

What 3 features does the mind use to undertake deduction?

Answer 4

• Structure (form)
• Semantics (function)
• Statistics (frequency)

Question 5

What is the assumption of the ‘Inference as Logical Reasoning’ theory?

Answer 5

Individuals draw conclusions from premises by applying stored rules of logic to derive a single valid inference.

Question 6

Name the 3 types of inference as logical reasoning

Answer 6

• Classical syllogisms
• Conditional inferences
• Transitive inferences