Simulating Conditional Reasoning Containing Negations: A Computer Model and Human Data

Moddeling human conditional reasoning of the type “if p then q” containing negations poses a challenge for connectionism. A network of spiking neurons (INFERNET) was used to model this type of conditional reasoning. This model also provides insights on certain human limitations. The model is compared to empirical data, and classical explanations. Statistical analysis shows that the model’s performance not only surpasses classical explanations but also provides a very good overall fit to empirical data. INFERNET simulator results are also compared to human performance. The simulations compare well with both human performance and limitations.