Objetives:

(a) To identify qualitatively modalities of reasoning in dyads that solve logical problems; b) to explore if they vary depending on three types of dyadic composition: two low-competence partners (low-competence symmetry), two high-competence (high-competence symmetry); a low-competence subject with a high-competence subject (asymmetry).

Method:

Participants were 36 dyads (72 subjects, age: M=11 years old, 3 months; SD= 7 months) of 5th and 6th grade of elementary school, from Rosario (Argentina). The task consisted of a series of ten logical items of increasing difficulty (progressive matrices). This was performed in two ways: first, individually; then, collaborative modality (dyad). The content analysis was concentrated on intentionally selected items and was based on the recursive construction of categories (constant comparative method).

Results:

The analysis of interactions allowed identifying six basic modes of reasoning, that were from an initial level based on an arbitrary selection of the answer, up to a level of high complexity based on logical sense construction integrating rows and columns. Moreover, the most rudimentary modalities (trial and error) predominated in the low-competence symmetry dyads (40.0%), while the most advanced (construction of sense between rows and/or columns) predominated in the asymmetric dyads (47.4%).

Conclusions:

The results allow to depth in the understanding of peer socio-cognitive processes, especially in relation to the logical fundaments proposed in the activity. At the same time, the concept of modality of reasoning is discussed and it is differentiated from the concept of socio-cognitive modality.

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