A mechanism implementing the proportional solution

1994 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 301-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Chul Suh
Keyword(s):  
Proportional Solution

Proportional Reasoning as a Heuristic-Based Process

2009 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Gillard ◽  
Wim Van Dooren ◽  
Walter Schaeken ◽  
Lieven Verschaffel
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Task ◽  
Proportional Reasoning ◽  
Dual Process ◽  
Solution Time ◽  
Executive Processing ◽  
Proportional Solution ◽  
Process Theories ◽  
Process Framework ◽  
Solution Methods ◽  
Dual Process Theories

The present study interprets the overuse of proportional solution methods from a dual process framework. Dual process theories claim that analytic operations involve time-consuming executive processing, whereas heuristic operations are fast and automatic. In two experiments to test whether proportional reasoning is heuristic-based, the participants solved “proportional” problems, for which proportional solution methods provide correct answers, and “nonproportional” problems known to elicit incorrect answers based on the assumption of proportionality. In Experiment 1, the available solution time was restricted. In Experiment 2, the executive resources were burdened with a secondary task. Both manipulations induced an increase in proportional answers and a decrease in correct answers to nonproportional problems. These results support the hypothesis that the choice for proportional methods is heuristic-based.

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