*Result*: Inference complexity and the logic bias effect in conditional reasoning.

Title:
Inference complexity and the logic bias effect in conditional reasoning.
Authors:
Ricco R; California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA., Von Monteza J; California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA., Bonsel J; California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA., Ware S; California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA., Koshino H; California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA.
Source:
Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006) [Q J Exp Psychol (Hove)] 2026 Feb; Vol. 79 (2), pp. 444-461. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Jun 06.
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Sage in association with Experimental Psychology Society Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101259775 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1747-0226 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17470218 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Publication: 2018- : London : Sage in association with Experimental Psychology Society
Original Publication: London : Informa Healthcare
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: Conditional reasoning; dual instructional set paradigm; hybrid dual processing model; logic bias
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20250606 Date Completed: 20260122 Latest Revision: 20260122
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1177/17470218251349181
PMID:
40476533
Database:
MEDLINE

*Further Information*

*The hybrid dual processing model maintains that humans possess an extensive intuitive logic featuring multiple deductive inference forms. One basis for this claim is the presence of a logic bias effect on the dual instructional set paradigm. Implicit logical processing interferes with efforts to respond on the basis of belief to a greater extent than belief-based processing interferes with efforts to respond on the basis of logical validity. An important question for the hybrid model is whether there are limits to intuitive logic. Across two experiments, we manipulated inference complexity (defined by inference direction and the presence or the absence of negation) on a conditional reasoning task by crossing conditional inference type (modus ponens, modus tollens) and conclusion wording (normal, contrary). We found that the presence or the absence of the logic bias effect depended on the complexity of processing required by the inference. In particular, the extent to which logical processing interfered with efforts to respond according to belief was a function of inference complexity. We also provide evidence that the logic bias effect is positively related to analytical thinking disposition and negatively related to working memory capacity. These results suggest that there are limitations to intuitive logic even within everyday inferences.*

*Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.*