Research Paper on:
High School Students: Reasoning

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
point person with regard to how and why humans reason, often pointing to several types of reasoning as the basis upon which people can ultimately draw educated conclusions. Induction  is the process of analyzing information, making observations, establishing hypotheses, experiment creation and implementation, analyzing results and then doing it all over again. By contrast, deduction begins with a  general assumption, recognition of central components, examination of said elements and finally "generation of relevant examples of the generalized concept" (Maxwell, no date).  Analytical reasoning is the ability to contemplate a particular subject from a multitude of angles. Synthesizing - also known as logical deduction - calls for a span of reasoning from  the general to the particular, while comparative reasoning utilizes observational techniques as a means by which to "consider the characteristics of objects or concepts, looking for both similarities and differences"  (Maxwell, no date). Classifying brings together groups with similarities to other groups, after which the group is labeled. "As a thinking skill, classification requires the application of knowledge.  When students invent their own classifications, they practice discovery and invention along with being able to apply prior knowledge about the objects or concepts being classified" (Maxwell, no date).  Critical reasoning is a form of logical thinking where conclusions are drawn from the combination of evidence and facts. Human beings are said to be the most intelligent  species in the entire animal kingdom, mainly due to the fact that they can reason, think critically and apply that ability to rational decision making. Critical thinking represents an  analytical approach to understanding a particular concept; asking questions is a primary component of critical thinking. At the same time, experiencing life requires much more than merely going through