Mental models and logical reasoning problems in the GRE.

Abstract

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) contains a class of complex reasoning tests known as logical reasoning problems. These problems are demanding for human reasoners and beyond the competence of any existing computer program. This article applies the mental model theory of reasoning to the analysis of these problems. It predicts 3 main causes of difficulty, which were corroborated by the results of 4 experiments: the nature of the logical task (Experiment 1), the set of foils (Experiment 2), and the nature of the conclusions (Experiments 3 and 4). This article shows how these factors can be applied to the design of new problems.