| Abstract: | P. N. Johnson-Laird et al (see record 1990-03501-001) presented a theory of deductive reasoning for inference problems using multiply quantified premises. The theory classifies such problems into those that require Ss to construct only one mental model and those that require multiple models. Data corroborate the theory and show that the major results of Johnson-Laird et al can be explained without invoking mental models or deductive reasoning at all. Furthermore, reversing the order of the quantifiers in a multiply quantified sentence may produce a sentence that is both more difficult to comprehend and more ambiguous. Some implications for theories of how people understand multiply quantified sentences are noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
