Reasoning Step
A Reasoning Step is a logical step in a reasoning item that involves a logical progression or inference.
- Context:
- It can (typically) involve applying a Logical Operation or Inference Rule.
- It can be a part of a Chain of Reasoning.
- It can be evaluated for Reasoning Correctness.
- It can be influenced by Cognitive Bias.
- It can be part of both inductive and deductive reasoning methods, serving as a fundamental mechanism through which logical conclusions are derived from premises.
- It can involve a variety of cognitive processes including identifying relevant information, evaluating evidence, and applying logical rules to derive conclusions.
- It can also be seen as an iterative process where each step builds upon the previous, allowing for complex problem-solving and decision-making.
- In deductive reasoning, a reasoning step may involve applying a rule of inference such as modus ponens to draw a conclusion from given premises.
- In inductive reasoning, it might involve observing specific instances and formulating a generalization based on the observed patterns.
- ...
- Example(s):
- Applying a mathematical operation to solve a step in a math problem.
- Making an inference based on observed data in a scientific experiment.
- Logical Inference,
- Deductive Reasoning Step.
- Inductive Reasoning Step.
- as taken by a Reasoning Language Model.
- ...
- Counter-Example(s):
- See: Cognitive Process, AI Reasoning Task, Logical Fallacy, Logical Inference, Cognitive Process, Inductive Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Cognitive Psychology, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning.
References
2024a
- (ChatGPT-OpenAI, 2024) ⇒ Prompt: Summarize the concept Reasoning Step in 1- 2 paragraphs. ChatGPT (model:gpt-4-turbo-preview). Retrieved: 2024-03-03.
- QUOTE: A "Reasoning Step" refers to a discrete component or phase within the broader process of reasoning, where an individual or a system makes progress towards solving a problem, making a decision, or understanding a concept by logically connecting ideas or facts. This step involves the analysis of information, the deduction of conclusions from premises, or the application of rules and principles in order to move from one point of understanding to a more advanced or refined one. Reasoning steps can be elemental in complex cognitive tasks, serving as the building blocks of rational thought and decision-making processes. They encapsulate the essential moves in reasoning, such as identifying relationships between concepts, applying logic to predict outcomes, or evaluating the truth of statements or the validity of arguments.
In practical terms, a reasoning step might be viewed through various lenses such as deductive reasoning, where a general rule is applied to a specific case to arrive at a conclusion, or inductive reasoning, where observations are used to infer a general principle. Each step serves as a critical juncture, facilitating the transition from one level of understanding or insight to another. By structuring the cognitive process into distinct steps, it becomes easier to analyze, teach, and improve reasoning skills. Thus, identifying and understanding these reasoning steps are crucial in fields that rely heavily on problem-solving and decision-making, including mathematics, science, law, and computer science, especially within areas such as artificial intelligence where mimicking or improving human reasoning is a key objective.
- QUOTE: A "Reasoning Step" refers to a discrete component or phase within the broader process of reasoning, where an individual or a system makes progress towards solving a problem, making a decision, or understanding a concept by logically connecting ideas or facts. This step involves the analysis of information, the deduction of conclusions from premises, or the application of rules and principles in order to move from one point of understanding to a more advanced or refined one. Reasoning steps can be elemental in complex cognitive tasks, serving as the building blocks of rational thought and decision-making processes. They encapsulate the essential moves in reasoning, such as identifying relationships between concepts, applying logic to predict outcomes, or evaluating the truth of statements or the validity of arguments.
2024b
- (Jin et al., 2024) ⇒ (2024). "The impact of reasoning step length on large language models". In: arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.04925.