Measuring Relational Reasoning

Patricia A. Alexander, Denis Dumas, Emily M. Grossnickle, Alexandra List, Carla M. Firetto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Relational reasoning is the foundational cognitive ability to discern meaningful patterns within an informational stream, but its reliable and valid measurement remains problematic. In this investigation, the measurement of relational reasoning unfolded in three stages. Stage 1 entailed the establishment of a research-based conceptualization of the construct and the development of a corresponding Test of Relational Reasoning (TORR). Stage 2 focused on the reliability and validity of data from the TORR. Analyses showed the data from the TORR to be reliable indicators of students' ability to reason relationally, and TORR performance predicted students' performance on SAT verbal and math problems. Stage 3 examined the underlying structure of the construct through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Of the three CFA models tested, models with dedicated factors for analogical, anomalous, antinomous, and antithetical reasoning were deemed the best fit for the data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-151
Number of pages33
JournalJournal of Experimental Education
Volume84
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cognitive processes/development
  • factor analysis
  • individual differences
  • reasoning testing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Measuring Relational Reasoning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this