Types of Reasoning – Psychology – UGC NET – Notes

Meaning of Reasoning

• It is one of the best forms of controlled thinking consciously towards the solution of a problem. It is realistic in the sense that the solution is sought always in reference to the reality of the situation. We can solve many problems in our day-dreams, dreams and imaginations but they are unrealistic solutions.
• As Sherman defined, “reasoning is a process of thinking during which the individual is aware of a problem identifies, evaluates, and decides upon a solution”.
• Reasoning is used not only when we want to solve an immediate problem but also when we anticipate future problems.
• Reasoning plays a significant role in one’s adjustment to the environment. It not only determines one’s cognitive activities but also influences the behaviour and personality.

Definitions of Reasoning

1. 1. “Reasoning is a stepwise thinking with a purpose or goal in mind” —Garrett.
2. 2. “Reasoning is the term applied to highly purposeful, controlled and selective thinking”—Gates.
3. 3. “Reasoning is the word used to describe the mental recognition of cause and effect relationships, it may be the prediction of an event from an observed cause or the inference of a cause from an observed event”—Skinner.

Thus reasoning is a highly specialized thinking which helps an individual to explore mentally the cause and effect relationship of an event or solution of a problem by adopting some well-organized systematic steps based on previous experience combined with present observation.