Scientific Reasoning and Argumentation

What is the research topic?

The International Doctoral School “Scientific Reasoning and Argumentation” (REASON) is an interdisciplinary and collaborative project in the Learning Sciences. One of the goals of the program is to advance the conceptual understanding of scientific reasoning and argumentation. Furthermore, the program aims to promote scientific reasoning and argumentation skills from preschool age to adulthood. Thus, the goal of the program is to answer questions such as: "What is scientific reasoning and argumentation?" and "How can scientific reasoning and argumentation be facilitated in children/adults/professionals?".

What is the specific issue of the project?

REASON brings together more than 30 doctoral students, several post-docs and 15 Professors from different disciplines to work jointly on research questions related to scientific reasoning and argumentation: They are linking research from educational psychology, developmental psychology, mathematics education, medical education, education sciences, computer science, and social work. The research foci include questions such as: “Is scientific reasoning and argumentation domain-specific, is there an interface between cognition and emotion, which role plays the social context”, and “How can scientific reasoning and argumentation skills be advanced through (computer supported) collaborative learning?”

REASON aims to advance the scientific understanding of scientific reasoning and argumentation. Moreover, REASON aims to develop effective interventions to facilitate the acquisition of competences related to scientific reasoning and argumentation in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Exemplary interventions focus on teacher professional development and on technology-enhanced learning.
Another goal of the project is to refer to the realization of innovative elements in the support of PhD research. This is exemplified by realizing structured and interdisciplinary supervision of PhD projects, a structured and research-oriented curriculum and opportunities for research stays abroad.