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When complexity makes the Wason's selection task clearer! Variation of the problem space to study argumentative reasoning
Date de parution
2014-11-6
Résumé
The Wason selection task is paradigmatic in the “bounded rationality” perspective, i.e. cognitive studies focused on finding and defining cognitive biases of human rationality. This task is considered as a clear illustration of human’s tendency to confirm hypotheses rather than to refute them by looking for contradictions in a systematic way. Nevertheless, several studies have shown that this pessimistic analysis is one-sided. For instance, a pragmatic stance is helpful to understand the subject’s point of view and active engagement into the task. A few researchers also tried to take into account the interactional and argumentative dimensions, as components of reasoning. The present work explore how a superficial enrichment of the task (multiplying the card items) should (1) imply more logical responses, (2) reveal the heterogeneous interpretations about the task, and (3) foster argumentative processes in dyadic situations. Our preliminary findings suggest that the task’s transformation does not lead people to the expected logical performance, but rather transforms the usual patterns of response, clarifies people’s interpretation of the task and enables deeper argumentative activities. Conducting research about the interactions between task’s shapes and social dynamics could show how deductive reasoning is part of an argumentative activity and is embedded in material and cultural contexts.
Notes
, Workshop "Expansion(s) of experience : symbolic and material dimensions", University of Neuchâtel
Identifiants
Type de publication
conference presentation
