The Wason Selection Task is a classic demonstration of confirmation bias in decision making.
This website provides a detailed, interactive test of decision making and logical reasoning by presenting the user with three different questions. Upon completion, the site provides feedback and explanations of the user's results. A "Further Analysis" link takes the user to a history of the Wason Selection Task and includes descriptions of typical results in such experiments.
Type of Material:
Simulation & Reference Material
Recommended Uses:
As this is a test of logical reasoning, it might be useful in philosophy, psychology, and in general studies in teaching basic logic. Additionally, the site provides historical descriptions of the Wason Task Selection, which may be useful for Cognitive Development, Memory, and other topic-specific classes in the field of psychology.
Prior to in-class discussion, students can run three examples of the Wason and review their choices along with the typical results from these experiments. Students can then compare and discuss their experience in small groups either through online group discussion boards or in on-ground classes in groups of four or fewer.
Technical Requirements:
Internet access
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Learners will experience the classic Decision Making Task created by Wason.
Learners will read about the history of the Wason Selection Task and will understand how it sheds light on human decision making and logical reasoning.
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Upper Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
No prerequisite knowledge is needed to understand the purpose or outcomes of the Wason task. However, it may be useful for students to have a basic understanding of the study of Decision Making and Cognition.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site includes two (2) abstract scenarios and one (1) concrete permission-related scenario to evaluate.
This website includes detailed descriptions of each of the three (3) Wason tasks that are presented. Additionally, it outlines in great detail the correct and incorrect answers -- and how a person might come to each conclusion -- as a means of explaining logical decision-making practices. It also includes additional links to items such as "Further Analysis" for those students who may want to learn more about the history and background of the Wason Selection Task.
Note: a "Reports" tab provides links to various research studies on human decision making, providing more opportunities for students to explore the field.
Concerns:
It would be beneficial to include a concrete scenario that is not also a permission statement for comparison as permission statements are the easiest of these to solve.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Explanations are provided upon completion of the three questions.
A "Further Analysis" link provides additional information.
Explanations are clear, covering every option for the multiple-choice questions.
This site could easily be incorporated in both online and on-ground courses with both contexts offering opportunities for students to explore the site individually and to subsequently discuss the results with peers and faculty.
It is easily linked within an online course module, and detailed descriptions of the Wason could be adapted to make this a more extensive lesson on logical decision-making for students.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is easy to use and can be accessed from any browser.
This site is well-designed and includes easy-to-view graphics for each of the three (3) tasks.
Concerns:
Due to the nature of the tasks, some of the graphics may not be fully accessible, particularly to individuals who may be color-blind or who have low vision.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
