Structure Mapping for Social Learning. (22nd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christie, Stella
• Is Part Of: Topics in cognitive science. Volume 9:Number 3(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 758
• Page End: 775
• Publication Date: 2017-03-22
• Subjects: Analogy -- Comparison -- Cognitive development -- Learning -- Relational thinking -- Social cognition; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive Science -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1111/tops.12264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-8757

Abstract

Abstract: Analogical reasoning is a foundational tool for human learning, allowing learners to recognize relational structures in new events and domains. Here I sketch some grounds for understanding and applying analogical reasoning in social learning. The social world is fundamentally characterized by relations between people, with common relational structures—such as kinships and social hierarchies—forming social units that dictate social behaviors. Just as young learners use analogical reasoning for learning relational structures in other domains—spatial relations, verbs, relational categories—analogical reasoning ought to be a useful cognitive tool for acquiring social relations and structures. Abstract : Analogical reasoning fosters social learning. The social world is fundamentally characterized by relations between people, with common relational structures—such as kinships and social hierarchies—forming social units that dictate social behaviors. Just as young learners use analogical reasoning for learning relational structures in other domains—spatial relations, verbs, relational categories—analogical reasoning ought to be a useful cognitive tool for acquiring social relations and structures.