Errors in Reasoning Goal Identify common types of

Errors in Reasoning • Goal: Identify common types of errors and avoid them. • Many of these come up in the WASI – A major reason for taking it is so that you can self-identify errors that you tend to make • Many points are lost on tests/homeworks in school come from errors in reasoning, not from lack of knowledge or skills. • You can train yourself to reduce making this sort of mistake.

Types of Errors • Lack of knowledge or skill – This isn’t our focus, and its often not the issue • Failure to observe and use all relevant facts of a problem – This might come from poor reading comprehension (which in turn often comes from rushing) • Failure to approach the problem in a systematic manner, skip steps or jump to conclusion • Failure to spell out relationships fully • Being sloppy or inaccurate – making “simple” mistake

Error Types Checklist • • Inaccuracy in Reading Inaccuracy in Thinking Weakness in Problem Analysis; Inactiveness Lack of Perseverance

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator • Four dichotomies that define sixteen categories – Each is a continuum, not a binary choice • This is not “what you are” – It is “right now, what you prefer” (and strength of preference) – For example, most introverts can operate in extrovert mode when needed. • Results can vary from test to test or day to day by several points. – Results are generally consistent, between “adjacent” types • Wikipedia has good articles for some types