The factors of false reasoning in simple math problems

Livljanić, Antonia. (2014). The factors of false reasoning in simple math problems. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Ivanec, Dragutin].

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Abstract

Intuitive, and at the same time false reasoning in simple problem-solving tasks is fairly common behaviour. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible factors which are in the core of making such erroneous conclusions. The first problem was to investigate the possibility of encouraging different strategies of approach in solving tasks, which may favor, more or less, intuitive selection of responses. Three groups, two experimental and one control group solved the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT; Frederick, 2005), as a measure of errors in simple problem-solving tasks. First experimental group, before solving CRT, had a task of modified version of the spatial Stroop test which sought to suppress intuitive answering. Second group of participants, before solving CRT, had the task of free associations which sought to encourage intuitive answering. The third group had a neutral task. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the average result, nor in the frequency of reported intuitive errors on the CRT in the three research groups. In addition, the results showed that the better overall success in mathematics and a positive attitude towards mathematics were associated with greater success in solving simple problem-solving tasks, i.e., with fewer number of wrong answers. Furthermore, students who had more errors in solving given problems also showed more overconfidence, that is, they overestimated their performance in greater extent.

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