Complex Reasoning and Working Memory

Reasoning failures can happen when a problem requires more mental models than our working memory can handle. Simple deductive problems are easier, like linking authors and bakers to being bowlers. But complex problems, such as artists, beekeepers, and chemists, are much harder as they require constructing and comparing multiple mental models. Most struggle with these complex problems because it exceeds our working memory capacity. However, using tools like pencil and paper can help offload mental models for better problem-solving.