Reasoning

Question 1

what is reasoning?

Answer 1

inferring a conclusion from some initial information or premises

Question 2

what is inductive reasoning?

Answer 2

making broad generalisations based on specific observations

Question 3

are conclusions drawn from inductive reasoning true?

Answer 3

usually

Question 4

do people follow rules of probability when reasoning?

Answer 4

no - often rely on heuristics (mental shortcuts that reduce cognitive load)

Question 5

what are cons of the use of heuristics?

Answer 5

• can increase errors
• lead to bias e.g. stereotyping

Question 6

what is the availability heuristic?

Answer 6

• a representation that is immediately available
• works well in a range of contexts

Question 7

what is the conjunction fallacy?

Answer 7

the wrong assumption that 2 specific conditions are more probable than 1 condition

Question 8

outline hypothesis testing?

Answer 8

• a form of inductive reasoning
• gain evidence to confirm and falsify the hypothesis

Question 9

can hypothesis testing ever fully support the hypothesis?

Answer 9

no

Question 10

what is confirmation bias?

Answer 10

seeking to confirm a hypothesis but failing to attempt to disprove it

Question 11

are there times when confirmation testing is more appropriate than falsifying?

Answer 11

yes e.g. drug trials

Question 12

what are cons of inductive reasoning?

Answer 12

• reliance on heuristics not statistics
• heuristics are error prone
• people typically attempt to prove hypotheses (conf bias) rather than disprove - leads to more errors

Question 13

what is deductive reasoning?

Answer 13

drawing definite conclusions based on formal logic

Question 14

what are the two types of deductive reasoning?

Answer 14

• syllogistic
• conditional

Question 15

what is syllogistic reasoning?

Answer 15

when two statements or premises followed by a conclusion

Question 16

is syllogistic reasoning common in real life?

Answer 16

not really

Question 17

what is conditional reasoning?

Answer 17

reasoning using logical operators - if, and, or

Question 18

is conditional reasoning common in real life?

Answer 18

yes, used more frequently in day to day life

Question 19

what is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Answer 19

inductive - can only draw a probable conclusion
deductive - can draw a definite conclusion

Question 20

Goel & Dolan (2004) found inductive & deductive reasoning to activate which brain areas in neurotypicals using fMRI?

Answer 20

inductive - left dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus
deductive - left inferior frontal gyrus

Question 21

Bechara et al. (1999) Iowa gambling task - p’s w damage to what brain area performed poorly e.g. staying with bad decks?

Answer 21

pre frontal cortex

Question 22

what is Domasio et al.’s (1996) somatic marker hypothesis? (in relation to Iowa gambling task)

Answer 22

we move away from bad decks because our emotional system is warning us about the potential losses - suggests emotional system has a direct influence on decision making