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Experience has played a very fundamental r&le in all theories of reasoning with perhaps the exception of the Gestalt theory. If one has had the necessary experiences and can recall them, then reasoning seems to follow naturally.Theories which make mental "trial and error" the basis of reasoning recognize a selective factor in the trials and errors. Only such things as have some connection with the problem are tried out mentally. Thus a problem calls up past experiences which are tried out in the mind until some combination is found to work. The main point in such theories is to explain why only the more pertinent things are tried out. That the right experiences, if called up at all, will make for the solution, is taken for granted.Abstraction theories also regard experience as most fundamental. Certain experiences are called up by similarity and after a time the common element "rolls out." Why it should roll out is in these theories a pertinent question. It may roll out because it is a common element and the sagacious individual sees it (James). This would be recognition of likenesses and would depend on frequency. Others regard the recognition of differences as just as important (Shepard).The Gestalt theory says nothing of experience. Of course it recognizes that experience gives us the data to work with, but the experience is not the fundamental characteristic of reasoning.1 This is the first of a series of studies on Human Reasoning.

Research on group problem solving reveals that the group has both advantages and disadvantages over individual problem solving. If the potentials for group problem solving can be exploited and if its deficiencies can be avoided, it follows that group problem solving can attain a level of proficiency not ordinarily achieved. The requirement for achieving this level of group performance seems to hinge on developing a style of discussion leadership which maximizes the group's assets and minimizes its liabilities. Since members possess the essential ingredients for the solutions, the deficiencies that appear in group solutions reside in the processes by which group solutions develop. These processes can determine whether the group functions effectively or ineffectively. The critical factor in a group's potential is organization and integration. With training, a leader can supply these functions and serve as the group's central nervous system, thus permitting the group to emerge as a Highly efficient entity.

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