The effects of externalization on syllogistic reasoning

An experiment is reported that investigated the effects of externalization of mental models in syllogistic reasoning. Although there was no evidence that the requirement to “externalize” mental models of syllogisms improved reasoning, an unexpected recognition test demonstrated that subjects' memory for the meaning of the premises was improved by externalization. In particular, where the correct conclusion had been deduced using the externalization procedure, responses in the recognition test reflected an appreciation of the relations between the end terms of the premises.