Examining Relational Reasoning Within an Interdisciplinary Team of Experts (Poster 2)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 3:05 pm
  In Poster Session: Perspectives on Learning and Development: Exploring Motivations, Cognition, and Contextual Factors

Abstract

The purpose of this empirical study was to understand how relational reasoning occurs within an interdisciplinary team engaged in complex problem solving, and how the disciplinary expertise of group members, and the nature of the problem, relate to the frequency and form of relational reasoning that was verbalized. The goal was to ascertain whether there were discernible patterns in how team members reasoned relationally and if those patterns were associated with decision making. The findings suggest that disciplinary domains may require or rely on certain forms of reasoning, particularly antithetical reasoning. This analysis demonstrated the significant role of relational reasoning in the real-time problem solving of interdisciplinary teams, with research implications for novice teams, helping them develop necessary reasoning skills.

Authors

• Margaret Word Logan, University of Maryland

• Patricia A. Alexander, University of Maryland