A Model of Scientific Data Reasoning

Data reasoning is an essential component of scientific reasoning, as a component of evidence evaluation. In this paper, we outline a model of scientific data reasoning that describes how data sensemaking underlies data reasoning. Data sensemaking, a relatively automatic process rooted in perceptual...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEducation sciences Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 71 - 89
Main Authors Masnick, Amy M., Morris, Bradley J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2022
Subjects
Beliefs
Bias
Cognition & reasoning
cognitive development
Cognitive Processes
Cognitive Psychology
Data analysis
Data Interpretation
data reasoning
Definitions
Evidence
Grain size
Heuristics
Hypotheses
Hypothesis Testing
Inferences
Information Seeking
Knowledge
Metacognition
number sense
Number systems
numerical cognition
Personality Traits
Probability
Researchers
Science education
Science Instruction
Science Process Skills
Scientific Methodology
Scientific Principles
scientific reasoning
Skills
statistics education
Teaching
Thinking Skills
Trends
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Summary:Data reasoning is an essential component of scientific reasoning, as a component of evidence evaluation. In this paper, we outline a model of scientific data reasoning that describes how data sensemaking underlies data reasoning. Data sensemaking, a relatively automatic process rooted in perceptual mechanisms that summarize large quantities of information in the environment, begins early in development, and is refined with experience, knowledge, and improved strategy use. Summarizing data highlights set properties such as central tendency and variability, and these properties are used to draw inferences from data. However, both data sensemaking and data reasoning are subject to cognitive biases or heuristics that can lead to flawed conclusions. The tools of scientific reasoning, including external representations, scientific hypothesis testing, and drawing probabilistic conclusions, can help reduce the likelihood of such flaws and help improve data reasoning. Although data sensemaking and data reasoning are not supplanted by scientific data reasoning, scientific reasoning skills can be leveraged to improve learning about science and reasoning with data.
ISSN:2227-7102
2227-7102
DOI:10.3390/educsci12020071