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Abstract Reasoning in Psychology: Unveiling the Mind's Capacity for Conceptual Thought
By Dr. Eleanor Vance, PhD
Dr. Eleanor Vance holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Stanford University and is a leading researcher in the field of abstract reasoning. She has over 15 years of experience studying the neurological and cognitive underpinnings of abstract thought and its implications for various psychological disorders.
Published by: The Journal of Cognitive Science, a peer-reviewed publication renowned for its rigorous standards and impactful contributions to the field of cognitive psychology. The Journal of Cognitive Science is published by Sage Publications, a leading academic publisher with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
Editor: Dr. Marcus Green, PhD, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, with 20+ years of experience editing scholarly journals and expertise in cognitive processes and their neural correlates.
Abstract: This article delves into the crucial role of abstract reasoning in psychology, exploring its definition, assessment, neurological basis, and significant implications for various aspects of the field, including clinical diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and the advancement of cognitive models. We examine how deficits in abstract reasoning are linked to specific psychological conditions and discuss the potential for enhancing abstract reasoning through targeted interventions.
What is Abstract Reasoning in Psychology?
Abstract reasoning in psychology refers to the ability to think conceptually, identify patterns, and solve problems that don't rely on concrete, tangible information. It involves manipulating mental representations, forming hypotheses, and drawing inferences based on symbolic or logical relationships. Unlike concrete reasoning, which focuses on observable facts, abstract reasoning deals with ideas, concepts, and principles that exist independently of specific instances. Understanding abstract reasoning is fundamental to comprehending higher-level cognitive functions.
Assessing Abstract Reasoning: Methods and Measures
Assessing abstract reasoning abilities relies on various psychometric tools. Common methods include:
Raven's Progressive Matrices: A widely used nonverbal test evaluating inductive reasoning and the ability to identify patterns and relationships.
Figural Analogies: Tests that present visual analogies requiring participants to identify the logical relationship between figures and apply it to complete a missing part.
Verbal Reasoning Tests: These tests assess the ability to understand and manipulate abstract concepts expressed through language, such as analogies, logical deductions, and comprehension of complex sentences.
Cognitive Tasks: Experimentally designed tasks measuring specific aspects of abstract reasoning, such as mental rotation, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving involving abstract rules.
The choice of assessment method depends on the specific research question, the age and cognitive abilities of the participants, and the desired level of detail.
The Neurological Basis of Abstract Reasoning
Neuroimaging studies have identified several brain regions crucial for abstract reasoning, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), particularly the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC), the parietal lobes, and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The dlPFC is involved in working memory, executive functions, and cognitive flexibility—all essential components of abstract thought. The parietal lobes contribute to spatial reasoning and the integration of information from different sensory modalities. The ACC plays a role in conflict monitoring and decision-making during abstract problem-solving. Damage to these areas often results in impairments in abstract reasoning abilities.
Abstract Reasoning and Psychological Disorders
Deficits in abstract reasoning are frequently observed in various psychological disorders. For example, individuals with schizophrenia often struggle with abstract thinking, exhibiting concrete thinking and difficulties understanding metaphors or proverbs. Similarly, individuals with autism spectrum disorder may show challenges in understanding social cues and abstract concepts related to social interaction. In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, abstract reasoning abilities decline significantly as the disease progresses, impacting daily functioning. Understanding these relationships is vital for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic interventions.
Implications for Therapeutic Interventions
The assessment of abstract reasoning can inform the development of targeted interventions. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) aims to improve cognitive skills, including abstract reasoning, through structured training and practice. CRT has shown promise in improving cognitive function and daily living skills in individuals with schizophrenia and other neurological conditions. Furthermore, understanding an individual's level of abstract reasoning can help clinicians tailor therapy to match their cognitive capacity, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
Abstract Reasoning and Cognitive Models
Research on abstract reasoning contributes significantly to the development of more comprehensive cognitive models. By studying the processes involved in abstract thought, researchers gain insight into the organization and functioning of the human mind. This includes exploring the interplay between different cognitive components, such as working memory, attention, and executive functions, in supporting abstract reasoning.
Enhancing Abstract Reasoning: Strategies and Interventions
While some individuals naturally possess higher levels of abstract reasoning, this skill can be enhanced through targeted training and practice. Strategies include:
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities: Puzzles, brain teasers, and strategic games challenge cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills.
Learning new skills and knowledge: Expanding one's knowledge base enhances the ability to form connections and understand abstract relationships.
Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness can improve focus and attention, which are crucial for abstract thinking.
Cognitive training programs: Structured programs focusing on specific cognitive skills, such as working memory and executive functions, can enhance overall cognitive performance.
Conclusion
Abstract reasoning in psychology is a multifaceted construct with far-reaching implications for understanding human cognition, diagnosing psychological disorders, and developing effective therapeutic interventions. Further research into the neural mechanisms underlying abstract reasoning, the impact of various psychological conditions on this skill, and the development of effective interventions will continue to enrich our understanding of the human mind and improve mental health care.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between concrete and abstract reasoning? Concrete reasoning deals with tangible objects and observable events, while abstract reasoning focuses on concepts, ideas, and principles independent of specific instances.
2. How is abstract reasoning assessed in children? Age-appropriate tests like Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices or adapted versions of figural analogies are used.
3. Can abstract reasoning be improved? Yes, through targeted training, mentally stimulating activities, and cognitive training programs.
4. What brain regions are primarily involved in abstract reasoning? The prefrontal cortex (especially the dorsolateral PFC), parietal lobes, and anterior cingulate cortex.
5. How does abstract reasoning relate to intelligence? Abstract reasoning is a key component of general intelligence (g factor), contributing significantly to overall cognitive ability.
6. Are there cultural differences in abstract reasoning abilities? While basic cognitive abilities are largely universal, cultural factors can influence the development and expression of abstract reasoning skills.
7. How is abstract reasoning relevant to clinical practice? It aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluating treatment effectiveness for various psychological disorders.
8. What are some limitations of current methods for assessing abstract reasoning? Tests may not fully capture the complexity of real-world abstract thinking and cultural biases can influence test performance.
9. How does abstract reasoning contribute to problem-solving? It allows for the identification of underlying patterns and the formulation of creative solutions that transcend concrete details.
Related Articles:
1. "The Role of Working Memory in Abstract Reasoning": Explores the relationship between working memory capacity and performance on abstract reasoning tasks.
2. "Neuroimaging Studies of Abstract Reasoning in Schizophrenia": Reviews neuroimaging research examining brain activation patterns during abstract reasoning tasks in individuals with schizophrenia.
3. "Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Enhancing Abstract Reasoning in Individuals with TBI": Describes the application of CRT for improving abstract reasoning in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
4. "The Development of Abstract Reasoning in Children: A Longitudinal Study": Investigates the developmental trajectory of abstract reasoning abilities from childhood to adolescence.
5. "Cultural Influences on Abstract Reasoning Performance": Examines how cultural background and educational experiences influence performance on abstract reasoning tests.
6. "The Relationship Between Abstract Reasoning and Creativity": Explores the connection between abstract thinking abilities and creative problem-solving.
7. "Abstract Reasoning and Executive Functions: An Integrative Perspective": Provides an integrated view of the relationship between abstract reasoning and other executive functions.
8. "Assessing Abstract Reasoning in Dementia: A Comparative Study of Different Test Measures": Compares the efficacy of different assessment tools for measuring abstract reasoning in individuals with dementia.
9. "The Impact of Age on Abstract Reasoning Abilities: A Meta-Analysis": Synthesizes findings from multiple studies on the effect of aging on abstract reasoning performance.
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Abstract Reasoning Tests How2become, 2017-02-08 KEY CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE INCLUDE: - Contains invaluable tips on how to prepare for abstract reasoning tests; - Written by an expert in this field in conjunction with recruitment experts; - Contains lots of sample test questions and answers. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Rationality and Reasoning Jonathon St. B.T. Evans, David E. Over, 2013-09-13 This book addresses an apparent paradox in the psychology of thinking. On the one hand, human beings are a highly successful species. On the other, intelligent adults are known to exhibit numerous errors and biases in laboratory studies of reasoning and decision making. There has been much debate among both philosophers and psychologists about the implications of such studies for human rationality. The authors argue that this debate is marked by a confusion between two distinct notions: (a) personal rationality (rationality1 Evans and Over argue that people have a high degree of rationality1 but only a limited capacity for rationality2. The book re-interprets the psychological literature on reasoning and decision making, showing that many normative errors, by abstract standards, reflect the operation of processes that would normally help to achieve ordinary goals. Topics discussed include relevance effects in reasoning and decision making, the influence of prior beliefs on thinking, and the argument that apparently non-logical reasoning can reflect efficient decision making. The authors also discuss the problem of deductive competence - whether people have it, and what mechanism can account for it. As the book progresses, increasing emphasis is given to the authors' dual process theory of thinking, in which a distinction between tacit and explicit cognitive systems is developed. It is argued that much of human capacity for rationality1 is invested in tacit cognitive processes, which reflect both innate mechanisms and biologically constrained learning. However, the authors go on to argue that human beings also possess an explicit thinking system, which underlies their unique - if limited - capacity to be rational. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Rules for Reasoning Richard E. Nisbett, 2013-02-01 This book examines two questions: Do people make use of abstract rules such as logical and statistical rules when making inferences in everyday life? Can such abstract rules be changed by training? Contrary to the spirit of reductionist theories from behaviorism to connectionism, there is ample evidence that people do make use of abstract rules of inference -- including rules of logic, statistics, causal deduction, and cost-benefit analysis. Such rules, moreover, are easily alterable by instruction as it occurs in classrooms and in brief laboratory training sessions. The fact that purely formal training can alter them and that those taught in one content domain can escape to a quite different domain for which they are also highly applicable shows that the rules are highly abstract. The major implication for cognitive science is that people are capable of operating with abstract rules even for concrete, mundane tasks; therefore, any realistic model of human inferential capacity must reflect this fact. The major implication for education is that people can be far more broadly influenced by training than is generally supposed. At high levels of formality and abstraction, relatively brief training can alter the nature of problem-solving for an infinite number of content domains. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Child Psychology Robin Harwood, Scott A. Miller, Ross Vasta, 2008-01-03 In this comprehensive overview, readers will gain a better understanding of the various theories, perspectives, and research that characterize contemporary themes in child development. The book uses a contextual approach to examine the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional foundations of child development. Special attention is paid throughout to the contexts in which development occurs, including families and the larger culture, and how these intersect with our changing society. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Spatial Schemas and Abstract Thought Merideth Gattis, 2003 Proposes the means by which spatial structures might be adapted for nonspatial purposes, and it considers alternatives to spatial coding as a basis for abstract thought. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Reasoning as Memory Aidan Feeney, Valerie A. Thompson, 2014-10-03 There is a growing acknowledgement of the importance of integrating the study of reasoning with other areas of cognitive psychology. The purpose of this volume is to examine the extent to which we can further our understanding of reasoning by integrating findings, theories and paradigms in the field of memory. Reasoning as Memory consists of nine chapters that make explicit links between basic memory process, and reasoning and decision-making. The contributors address a number of key topics including: the relationship between semantic memory and reasoning the role of expert memory in reasoning recognition memory and induction working memory and reasoning metamemory in reasoning. In addition, the chapters provide broad coverage of the field of thinking, and invite the intriguing question of how much there is left to explain in the field of reasoning when one has extracted the variance due to memory. This book will be of great interest to advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers interested in reasoning or decision making, and to researchers interested in the role played in cognition by a variety of memory processes. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The Oxford Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning Keith J. Holyoak, Ph.D., Robert G. Morrison, Ph.D., 2012-04-19 The Oxford Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning brings together the contributions of many of the leading researchers in thinking and reasoning to create the most comprehensive overview of research on thinking and reasoning that has ever been available. Each chapter includes a bit of historical perspective on the topic, and concludes with some thoughts about where the field seems to be heading. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Thinking, Fast and Slow Daniel Kahneman, 2011 No Marketing Blurb |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Critical Thinking Tracy Bowell, Gary Kemp, 2002 A much-needed guide to thinking critically for oneself and how to tell a good argument from a bad one. Includes topical examples from politics, sport, medicine, music, chapter summaries, glossary and exercises. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Hypothetical Thinking Jonathan St. B. T. Evans, 2007-08-07 Using a recently developed theoretical framework called Hypothetical Thinking Theory, Jonathan St. B. T. Evans provides an integrated theoretical account of a wide range of psychological studies on hypothesis testing, reasoning, judgement and decision making. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Reasoning, Argumentation, and Deliberative Democracy David Moshman, 2020-10-01 In light of the latest research from cognitive and developmental psychology, this key text explores reasoning, rationality, and democracy, considering the unique nature of each and their relationship to each other. Broadening our understanding from the development of reasoning and rationality in individuals to encompass social considerations of argumentation and democracy, the book connects psychological literature to philosophy, law, political science, and educational policy. Based on psychological research, Moshman sets out a system of deliberative democracy that promotes collaborative reasoning, rational institutions such as science and law, education aimed at the promotion of rationality, and intellectual freedom for all. Also including the biological bases of logic, metacognition, and collaborative reasoning, Moshman argues that, despite systematic flaws in human reasoning, there are reasons for a cautiously optimistic assessment of the potential for human rationality and the prospects for democracy. Reasoning, Argumentation, and Deliberative Democracy will be essential reading for all researchers of thinking and reasoning from psychology, philosophy, and education. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Cognition and Chance Raymond S. Nickerson, 2004-06-24 Lack of ability to think probabilistically makes one prone to a variety of irrational fears and vulnerable to scams designed to exploit probabilistic naiveté, impairs decision making under uncertainty, facilitates the misinterpretation of statistical information, and precludes critical evaluation of likelihood claims. Cognition and Chance presents an overview of the information needed to avoid such pitfalls and to assess and respond to probabilistic situations in a rational way. Dr. Nickerson investigates such questions as how good individuals are at thinking probabilistically and how consistent their reasoning under uncertainty is with principles of mathematical statistics and probability theory. He reviews evidence that has been produced in researchers' attempts to investigate these and similar types of questions. Seven conceptual chapters address such topics as probability, chance, randomness, coincidences, inverse probability, paradoxes, dilemmas, and statistics. The remaining five chapters focus on empirical studies of individuals' abilities and limitations as probabilistic thinkers. Topics include estimation and prediction, perception of covariation, choice under uncertainty, and people as intuitive probabilists. Cognition and Chance is intended to appeal to researchers and students in the areas of probability, statistics, psychology, business, economics, decision theory, and social dilemmas. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health Sana Loue, Martha Sajatovic, 2008-01-16 Americans are living longer, and the elder population is growing larger. To meet the ongoing need for quality information on elder health, the Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health combines multiple perspectives to offer readers a more accurate and complete picture of the aging process. The book takes a biopsychosocial approach to the complexities of its subject. In-depth introductory chapters include coverage on a historical and demographic overview of aging in America, a guide to biological changes accompanying aging, an analysis of the diversity of the U.S. elder population, legal issues commonly affecting older adults, and the ethics of using cognitively impaired elders in research. From there, over 425 entries cover the gamut of topics, trends, diseases, and phenomena: -Specific populations, including ethnic minorities, custodial grandparents, and centenarians -Core medical conditions associated with aging, from cardiac and pulmonary diseases to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s -Mental and emotional disorders -Drugs/vitamins/alternative medicine -Disorders of the eyes, feet, and skin -Insomnia and sleep disorders; malnutrition and eating disorders -Sexual and gender-related concerns -And a broad array of social and political issues, including access to care, abuse/neglect, veterans’ affairs, and assisted suicide Entries on not-quite-elders’ concerns (e.g., midlife crisis, menopause) are featured as well. And all chapters and entries include references and resource lists. The Encyclopedia has been developed for maximum utility to clinicians, social workers, researchers, and public health professionals working with older adults. Its multidisciplinary coverage and scope of topics make this volume an invaluable reference for academic and public libraries. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Children's Thinking Robert Siegler, 2013-10-28 First published in 1978. In 1963, John Flavell posed one of the truly basic questions underlying the study of children’s thinking; his question was simply “What develops?” This volume holds the papers from the 13th Annual Carnegie Cognition Symposium, held in May 1977, that considering what progress had been made toward answering this question in the past 15 years. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Mechanical, Spatial & Abstract Reasoning Craig MacKellar, This text provides an overview of key principles relating to mechanical, spatial and abstract thought. The aim is to facilitate the following learning outcomes. + Identify individual elements within a group of elements; + Identify a rule connecting a set of figures; + Complete a number of test questions by applying a rule connecting a set of figures; + Apply techniques aimed at increasing the speed at which logical rules are generated (the faster a person generates solutions, the higher the probability of a correct answer—in a given period of time); + Increase the number of elements a person can keep track of in responding to an item (span capacity). Someone with a larger span capacity than someone else can take into account more figures without making errors and hence has a larger probability of a correct answer. Mechanical, Spatial and Abstract Reasoning ability is a key element in identifying aspects of person’s general intelligence. That is why the vast majority of psychometric tests will have a component that relates to abstract and spatial reasoning. This ebook will provide a measure of eductive ability or fluid intelligence which is relatively independent of specific learning acquired in a particular cultural or educational context. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Human Reasoning and Cognitive Science Keith Stenning, Michiel van Lambalgen, 2012-01-13 A new proposal for integrating the employment of formal and empirical methods in the study of human reasoning. In Human Reasoning and Cognitive Science, Keith Stenning and Michiel van Lambalgen—a cognitive scientist and a logician—argue for the indispensability of modern mathematical logic to the study of human reasoning. Logic and cognition were once closely connected, they write, but were “divorced” in the past century; the psychology of deduction went from being central to the cognitive revolution to being the subject of widespread skepticism about whether human reasoning really happens outside the academy. Stenning and van Lambalgen argue that logic and reasoning have been separated because of a series of unwarranted assumptions about logic. Stenning and van Lambalgen contend that psychology cannot ignore processes of interpretation in which people, wittingly or unwittingly, frame problems for subsequent reasoning. The authors employ a neurally implementable defeasible logic for modeling part of this framing process, and show how it can be used to guide the design of experiments and interpret results. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Abstract Reasoning Tests Richard Anthony McMunn, 2014 |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Encyclopedia of Special Education Cecil R. Reynolds, Elaine Fletcher-Janzen, 2007-01-02 Offers a thoroughly revised, comprehensive A to Z compilation of authoritative information on the education of those with special needs. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Piaget and His School C. Zwingmann, B. Inhelder, H.H. Chipman, 2012-12-06 Inhelder in her introduction. The reason for this unity is that explanatory adequacy can be attained only by exploring the formative and constructive aspects of development. To explain a psychologic reaction or a cognitive mechanism (at all levels, including that of scientific thought) is not simply to describe them, but to comprehend the processes by which they were formed; failing that, one can but note results without grasping their meaning. JEAN PlACET VI Man distinguishes himself from other creatures primarily by his abstract reasoning capacity and his ability to communicate his knowledge by highly complex symbolic processes. What is called humanity and progress is to a large degree a measure of his consciousness and the deployment of his creative potentials. There are few scientists who have explored the universe of cogni tion, and contributed to the understanding of the realm of knowledge, with greater genius, care, and scientific intuition than Jean Piaget and his longtime collaborator Barbel Inhelder. Professor Inhelder and her assistant Dr. Harold Chipman realized this book in spite of the heavy load of research, teaching, and administra tive duties in a rapidly expanding Institute. It is therefore a particular pleasure for me to presen t this book. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Theoretical Approaches in Psychology Matt Jarvis, 2005-08-04 The book introduces and outlines the six main approaches and considers how each has helped psychologists understand human behaviour, thought and feeling. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning Keith J. Holyoak, Robert G. Morrison, 2005-04-18 The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning is the first comprehensive and authoritative handbook covering all the core topics of the field of thinking and reasoning. Written by the foremost experts from cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and cognitive neuroscience, individual chapters summarize basic concepts and findings for a major topic, sketch its history, and give a sense of the directions in which research is currently heading. The volume also includes work related to developmental, social and clinical psychology, philosophy, economics, artificial intelligence, linguistics, education, law, and medicine. Scholars and students in all these fields and others will find this to be a valuable collection. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Rational Constructivism in Cognitive Development Fei Xu, 2012-10-10 Volume 43 of Advances in Child Development and Behavior includes chapters that highlight some of the most recent research in the area of Rational Constructivism. Each chapter provides in-depth discussions, and this volume serves as an invaluable resource for Developmental or educational psychology researchers, scholars, and students. Chapters that highlight some of the most recent research in the area Rational Constructivism discussed in detail |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Psychology of Reasoning Peter Cathcart Wason, Philip Nicholas Johnson-Laird, 1972 At the core of the Psychology of Reasoning is a vigorous discussion that incorporates various illustrations--some of them humorous, all of them fascinating--of the use of reason under a wide variety of different conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the difficulties involved in dealing with negatively marked information that must be combined and used with other information for reaching conclusions. Thorough treatment is given as well to the search for plausible contexts that will render anomalous or ambiguous statements sensible. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Handbook of Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology John A. Schinka, Wayne F. Velicer, 2003-03-19 Includes established theories and cutting-edge developments. Presents the work of an international group of experts. Presents the nature, origin, implications, an future course of major unresolved issues in the area. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Power, Dominance, and Nonverbal Behavior Steve L. Ellyson, John F. Dovidio, 2012-12-06 The study of nonverbal behavior has substantially grown in importance in social psychology during the past twenty years. In addition, other disciplines are increas ingly bringing their unique perspectives to this research area. Investigators from a wide variety of fields such as developmental, clinical, and social psychology, as well as primatology, human ethology, sociology, anthropology, and biology have system atically examined nonverbal aspects of behavior. Nowhere in the nonverbal behavior literature has such multidisciplinary concern been more evident than in the study of the communication of power and dominance. Ethological insights that explored nonhuman-human parallels in nonverbal communication provided the impetus for the research of the early 19708. The sociobiological framework stimulated the search for analogous and homologous gestures, expressions, and behavior patterns among various species of primates, including humans. Other lines of research, in contrast to evolutionary-based models, have focused on the importance of human developmental and social contexts in determining behaviors associated with power and dominance. Unfortunately, there has been little in the way of cross-fertilization or integration among these fields. A genuine need has existed for a forum that exam ines not only where research on power, dominance, and nonverbal behavior has been, but also where it will likely lead. We thus have two major objectives in this book. One goal is to provide the reader with multidisciplinary, up-to-date literature reviews and research findings. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The International Handbook on Innovation Larisa V Shavinina, 2003-10-16 Approx.1200 pagesApprox.1200 pages |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Who Is Rational? Keith E. Stanovich, 1999-04-01 Integrating a decade-long program of empirical research with current cognitive theory, this book demonstrates that psychological research has profound implications for current debates about what it means to be rational. The author brings new evidence to bear on these issues by demonstrating that patterns of individual differences--largely ignored in disputes about human rationality--have strong implications for explanations of the gap between normative and descriptive models of human behavior. Separate chapters show how patterns of individual differences have implications for all of the major critiques of purported demonstrations of human irrationality in the heuristics and biases literature. In these critiques, it has been posited that experimenters have observed performance errors rather than systematically irrational responses; the tasks have required computational operations that exceed human cognitive capacity; experimenters have applied the wrong normative model to the task; and participants have misinterpreted the tasks. In a comprehensive set of studies, Stanovich demonstrates that gaps between normative and descriptive models of performance on some tasks can be accounted for by positing these alternative explanations, but that not all discrepancies from normative models can be so explained. Individual differences in rational thought can in part be predicted by psychological dispositions that are interpreted as characteristic biases in people's intentional-level psychologies. Presenting the most comprehensive examination of individual differences in the heuristics and biases literature that has yet been published, experiments and theoretical insights in this volume contextualize the heuristics and biases literature exemplified in the work of various investigators. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The Development of Thinking and Reasoning Pierre Barrouillet, Caroline Gauffroy, 2013-06-26 Thinking and reasoning are key activities for human beings. In this book a distinguished set of contributors provides a wide readership with up-to-date scientific advances in the developmental psychology of thinking and reasoning, both at the theoretical and empirical levels. The first part of the book illustrates how modern approaches to the study of thinking and reasoning have gone beyond the Piagetian legacy: through the investigation of avenues previously not explored, and by demonstrating that young children have higher capacities than was assumed within the Piagetian tradition. The second part focuses upon theoretical and empirical investigations of the interplay between logic and intuition in reasoning and decision making, and how these forms of thinking evolve with age, through the general framework of what is known as dual-process theories. Contrary to Piaget’s claim, it becomes apparent that elaborate adult reasoning could rely on some form of intuition. The Development of Thinking and Reasoning provides psychologists, educators and everyone interested in child development with an integrated and up-to-date series of chapters, written by prominent specialists in the areas of thinking, reasoning, and decision making. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: A Certain Ambiguity Gaurav Suri, Hartosh Singh Bal, 2010-07-01 While taking a class on infinity at Stanford in the late 1980s, Ravi Kapoor discovers that he is confronting the same mathematical and philosophical dilemmas that his mathematician grandfather had faced many decades earlier--and that had landed him in jail. Charged under an obscure blasphemy law in a small New Jersey town in 1919, Vijay Sahni is challenged by a skeptical judge to defend his belief that the certainty of mathematics can be extended to all human knowledge--including religion. Together, the two men discover the power--and the fallibility--of what has long been considered the pinnacle of human certainty, Euclidean geometry. As grandfather and grandson struggle with the question of whether there can ever be absolute certainty in mathematics or life, they are forced to reconsider their fundamental beliefs and choices. Their stories hinge on their explorations of parallel developments in the study of geometry and infinity--and the mathematics throughout is as rigorous and fascinating as the narrative and characters are compelling and complex. Moving and enlightening, A Certain Ambiguity is a story about what it means to face the extent--and the limits--of human knowledge. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: How to Pass Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests Mike Bryon, 2008-11-03 Tests of diagrammatic reasoning feature in the recruitment process for professional services, finance, accountancy, graduate traineeships, architecture, engineering and even the UKCAT. Doing well in these common assessments is largely down to practice. How to Pass Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests contains over 300 practice questions involving a series of pictorial or diagrammatic questions with little or no resort to words or numbers. Each chapter is organised into blocks of warm up questions with a mini test at the end. The questions get progressively harder. Covering abstract reasoning, input type diagrammatic reasoning and conceptual and spatial reasoning tests, How to Pass Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests will help you to achieve a high score and get though to the next stage of the recruitment process. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The SAGE Handbook of Social Cognition Susan T Fiske, C Neil Macrae, 2012-04-20 The SAGE Handbook of Social Cognition is a landmark volume. Edited by two of the field′s most eminent academics and supported by a distinguished global advisory board, the 56 authors - each an expert in their own chapter topic - provide authoritative and thought-provoking overviews of this fascinating territory of research. Not since the early 1990s has a Handbook been published in this field, now, Fiske and Macrae have provided a timely and seminal benchmark; a state of the art overview that will benefit advanced students and academics not just within social psychology but beyond these borders too. Following an introductory look at the ′uniqueness of social cognition′, the Handbook goes on to explore basic and underlying processes of social cognition, from implicit social cognition and consciousness and meta-cognition to judgment and decision-making. Also, the wide-ranging applications of social cognition research in ′the real world′ from the burgeoning and relatively recent fields of social cognitive development and social cognitive aging to the social cognition of relationships are investigated. Finally, there is a critical and exciting exploration of the future directions in this field. The SAGE Handbook of Social Cognition will be an indispensable volume for any advanced student or academic wanting or needing to understand the landscape of social cognition research in the 21st century. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The Cambridge Handbook of Computational Psychology Ron Sun, 2008-04-28 A cutting-edge reference source for the interdisciplinary field of computational cognitive modeling. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: A Conceptual History of Psychology John D. Greenwood, 2015-08-27 A penetrating analysis of the fundamental conceptual continuities and discontinuities that inform the history of psychology. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Critical Thinking in Psychology Robert J. Sternberg, Henry L. Roediger III, Diane F. Halpern, 2007 Explores key topics in psychology, showing how they can be critically examined. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience , |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Reasoning Daniel Krawczyk, 2017-11-13 Reasoning: The Neuroscience of How We Think is a comprehensive guide to the core topics related to a thorough understanding of reasoning. It presents the current knowledge of the subject in a unified, complete manner, ranging from animal studies, to applied situations, and is the only book available that presents a sustained focus on the neurobiological processes behind reasoning throughout all chapters, while also synthesizing research from animal behavior, cognitive psychology, development, and philosophy for a truly multidisciplinary approach. The book considers historical perspectives, state-of-the-art research methods, and future directions in emerging technology and cognitive enhancement. Written by an expert in the field, this book provides a coherent and structured narrative appropriate for students in need of an introduction to the topic of reasoning as well as researchers seeking well-rounded foundational content. It is essential reading for neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, neuropsychologists and others interested in the neural mechanisms behind thinking, reasoning and higher cognition. - Provides a comparative perspective considering animal cognition and its relevance to human reasoning - Includes developmental and lifespan considerations throughout the book - Discusses technological development and its role in reasoning, both currently and in the future - Considers perspectives from not only neuroscience, but cognitive psychology, philosophy, development, and animal behavior for a multidisciplinary treatment - Contains highlight boxes featuring additional details on methods, historical descriptions and experimental tasks |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Multivariate and Mixture Distribution Rasch Models Matthias Davier, Claus H. Carstensen, 2007-12-15 This book examines extensions of the Rasch model, one of the most researched and applied models in educational research and social science. This collection contains 22 chapters by some of the most renowned international experts in the field. They cover topics ranging from general model extensions to applications in fields as diverse as cognition, personality, organizational and sports psychology, and health sciences and education. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Assessment of Higher Order Thinking Skills Gregory Schraw, Daniel H. Robinson, 2011-10-01 This volume examines the assessment of higher order thinking skills from the perspectives of applied cognitive psychology and measurement theory. The volume considers a variety of higher order thinking skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, argumentation, decision making, creativity, metacognition, and self-regulation. Fourteen chapters by experts in learning and measurement comprise four sections which address conceptual approaches to understanding higher order thinking skills, cognitively oriented assessment models, thinking in the content domains, and practical assessment issues. The volume discusses models of thinking skills, as well as applied issues related to the construction, validation, administration and scoring of perfomancebased, selected-response, and constructed-response assessments. The goal of the volume is to promote a better theoretical understanding of higher order thinking in order to facilitate instruction and assessment of those skills among students in all K-12 content domains, as well as professional licensure and cetification settings. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology Stephen J. Morewitz, Mark L. Goldstein, 2013-08-20 The role of behavioral and social sciences in the courtroom setting has expanded exponentially in the past few decades. It is now widely recognized that scientists in these areas provide critical contextual information for legal decision making, and that there is a reliable knowledge base for doing so. While there are many handbooks of forensic psychology, this is the first such volume to incorporate sociological findings, broadening the conceptual basis for examining cases in both the civil and criminal realms, including immigration issues, personal injury, child custody, and sexual harassment. This volume will examine the responsibilities of expert witnesses and consultants, and how they may utilize principles, theories and methods from both sociology and psychology. It will show these disciplines together can improve the identification and apprehension of criminals, as well as enhance the administration of justice by clarifying profiles of criminal behavior, particularly in cases of serial killers, death threat makers, stalkers, and kidnappers. The volume is quite comprehensive, covering a range of medical, school, environmental and business settings. Throughout it links basic ideas to real applications and their impact on the justice system. |
| abstract reasoning in psychology: The Wiley Handbook of Cognition and Assessment Andre A. Rupp, Jacqueline P. Leighton, 2016-11-14 This state-of-the-art resource brings together the most innovative scholars and thinkers in the field of testing to capture the changing conceptual, methodological, and applied landscape of cognitively-grounded educational assessments. Offers a methodologically-rigorous review of cognitive and learning sciences models for testing purposes, as well as the latest statistical and technological know-how for designing, scoring, and interpreting results Written by an international team of contributors at the cutting-edge of cognitive psychology and educational measurement under the editorship of a research director at the Educational Testing Service and an esteemed professor of educational psychology at the University of Alberta as well as supported by an expert advisory board Covers conceptual frameworks, modern methodologies, and applied topics, in a style and at a level of technical detail that will appeal to a wide range of readers from both applied and scientific backgrounds Considers emerging topics in cognitively-grounded assessment, including applications of emerging socio-cognitive models, cognitive models for human and automated scoring, and various innovative virtual performance assessments |
How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples - Scribbr
Feb 28, 2019 · An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a thesis, dissertation or research paper). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so …
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Abstract is most frequently used as an adjective (“abstract ideas”) and a noun (“an abstract of the article”), but its somewhat less common use as a verb in English helps to clarify its Latin roots. …
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An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple …
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Abstracts are generally kept brief (approximately 150-200 words). They differ by field, but in general, they need to summarize the article so that readers can decide if it is relevant to their …
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Jun 13, 2023 · An abstract is a concise summary of the details within a report. Some abstracts give more details than others, but the main things you’ll be talking about are why you …
What Is an Abstract? Definition, Purpose, and Types Explained
Dec 18, 2024 · In academic and professional writing, an abstract is a powerful and essential tool that concisely summarizes a larger document, such as a research paper, thesis, dissertation, …
Abstracts – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at …
What is an abstract? An abstract is a self-contained, short, and powerful statement that describes a larger work. Components vary according to discipline. An abstract of a social science or …
What Exactly is an Abstract? | U-M LSA Sweetland Center for Writing
What Exactly is an Abstract, and How Do I Write One? An abstract is a short summary of your completed research. It is intended to describe your work without going into great detail. …
How to Write an Abstract (Ultimate Guide + 13 Examples)
An abstract is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a research paper, dissertation, or conference presentation. It provides an overview of the main points and helps readers decide …
How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples - Scribbr
Feb 28, 2019 · An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a thesis, dissertation or research paper). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so …
ABSTRACT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Abstract is most frequently used as an adjective (“abstract ideas”) and a noun (“an abstract of the article”), but its somewhat less common use as a verb in English helps to clarify its Latin roots. …
Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper - The Writing Center
An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple …
Abstract Electronics, Inc.
Founded in 1996 Abstract Electronics distributes and sources electronic components and hardware for a wide variety of commercial and military OEMs and CEMs.
Abstracts - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
Abstracts are generally kept brief (approximately 150-200 words). They differ by field, but in general, they need to summarize the article so that readers can decide if it is relevant to their …
How to Write an Abstract (With Examples) - ProWritingAid
Jun 13, 2023 · An abstract is a concise summary of the details within a report. Some abstracts give more details than others, but the main things you’ll be talking about are why you …
What Is an Abstract? Definition, Purpose, and Types Explained
Dec 18, 2024 · In academic and professional writing, an abstract is a powerful and essential tool that concisely summarizes a larger document, such as a research paper, thesis, dissertation, …
Abstracts – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at …
What is an abstract? An abstract is a self-contained, short, and powerful statement that describes a larger work. Components vary according to discipline. An abstract of a social science or …
What Exactly is an Abstract? | U-M LSA Sweetland Center for …
What Exactly is an Abstract, and How Do I Write One? An abstract is a short summary of your completed research. It is intended to describe your work without going into great detail. …
How to Write an Abstract (Ultimate Guide + 13 Examples)
An abstract is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a research paper, dissertation, or conference presentation. It provides an overview of the main points and helps readers decide …
