Venues for Analytical Reasoning Problems: How Children Produce Deductive Reasoning

Abstract

The research on deductive reasoning in mathematics education has been predominantly associated with the study of proof; consequently, there is a lack of studies on logical reasoning per se, especially with young children. Analytical reasoning problems are adequate tasks to engage the solver in deductive reasoning, as they require rule checking and option elimination, for which chains of inferences based on premises and rules are accomplished. Focusing on the solutions of children aged 10–12 to an analytical reasoning problem proposed in two separate settings—a web-based problem-solving competition and mathematics classes—this study aims to find out what forms of deductive reasoning they undertake and how they express that reasoning. This was done through a qualitative content analysis encompassing 384 solutions by children participating in a beyond-school competition and 102 solutions given by students in their mathematics classes. The results showed that four different types of deductive reasoning models were produced in the two venues. Moreover, several representational resources were found in the children’s solutions. Overall, it may be concluded that moderately complex analytical reasoning tasks can be taken into regular mathematics classes to support and nurture young children’s diverse deductive reasoning models.

The Impact of Automation and Knowledge Workers on Employees’ Outcomes: Mediating Role of Knowledge Transfer

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Deductive Reasoning Skills in Children Aged 4–8 Years Old

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“…In the realm of elementary mathematics education, one study ( Carreira et al 2020 ) evaluates deductive reasoning through the introduction of a specific analytical reasoning problem. The finding showed that engaging children in reasonably intricate analytical reasoning exercises can assist in supporting a wide range of deductive reasoning development among young children.…”

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