Probabilistic and deductive reasoning in the human brain

Deductive Reasoning Skills in Children Aged 4–8 Years Old

“…Deductive reasoning is a particular form of advanced cognitive skill that employs verbal, visual, or numeric premises to arrive at a rational outcome ( Heled et al 2022 ). For many decades, cognitive psychologists explored children’s deductive reasoning by asking them to generate logical conclusions based on provided premises (e.g., Franks 1997 ; Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ; Markovits et al 1989 ; Newton et al 2010 ). Deductive reasoning in early childhood is characterized by the ability to draw logical conclusions from provided premises that are assumed to be true.…”

“…Deductive reasoning in early childhood is characterized by the ability to draw logical conclusions from provided premises that are assumed to be true. It involves a systematic thought process wherein children follow a set of rules or principles to reach a specific and certain conclusion ( Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ). Deductive reasoning maintains the truth of statements, and its outcomes are restricted to being either true or false ( Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ).…”

“…It involves a systematic thought process wherein children follow a set of rules or principles to reach a specific and certain conclusion ( Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ). Deductive reasoning maintains the truth of statements, and its outcomes are restricted to being either true or false ( Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ). As they grow, their deductive reasoning skills become increasingly sophisticated, enabling them to make logical connections between information and form more complex deductions ( Mohammad and Albaqawi 2023 ).…”

“…Apart from the above distinct theories attempting to shed light on this intricate cognitive process, Mental Model Theory (MMT) has emerged as a prominent and influential framework ( Hattori 2016 ; Johnson-Laird and Byrne 1995 ). Over recent decades, MMT has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of reasoning processes, leaving an indelible mark on the cognitive and brain sciences ( Barrouillet and Lecas 1998 ; Evans 1993 ; Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ; Johnson-Laird and Byrne 1995 ; Mitchell 1993 ). In essence, MMT posits that humans possess a unique capacity to manipulate and represent information when engaged in reasoning and problem-solving activities.…”

“…Now, I got a game, so ------------- (I am happy).” In this example, a child, for instance, creates a mental representation linking the acquisition of a game to the feeling of happiness. The mental model, through abstraction, forms a spatial relationship within the cognitive framework, representing a crucial aspect of deductive reasoning ( Astorga 2017 ; Gazzo Castañeda et al 2023 ).…”