The use of heuristics in intuitive mathematical judgment | Zendy

Rolf Reber | Zendy; Morten Brun | Zendy; Karoline Mitterndorfer | Zendy

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The use of heuristics in intuitive mathematical judgment

Author(s) -

Rolf Reber,

Morten Brun,

Karoline Mitterndorfer

Publication year - 2008

Publication title -

psychonomic bulletin and review

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 2.512

H-Index - 151

eISSN - 1531-5320

pISSN - 1069-9384

DOI - 10.3758/pbr.15.6.1174

Subject(s) - heuristics , correctness , processing fluency , intuition , psychology , fluency , symmetry (geometry) , cognitive psychology , task (project management) , computer science , artificial intelligence , algorithm , cognitive science , mathematics , mathematical optimization , mathematics education , geometry , management , economics

Anecdotal evidence points to the use of beauty as an indication of truth in mathematical problem solving. In the two experiments of the present study, we examined the use of heuristics and tested the assumption that participants use symmetry as a cue for correctness in an arithmetic verification task. We manipulated the symmetry of sets of dot pattern addition equations. Speeded decisions about the correctness of these equations led to higher endorsements for both correct and incorrect equations when the addend and sum dot patterns were symmetrical. Therefore, this effect is not due to the fact that symmetry facilitates calculation or estimation. We found systematic evidence for the use of heuristics in solving mathematical tasks, and we discuss how these findings relate to a processing-fluency account of intuition in mathematical judgment.

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