Descriptions of mathematical reasoning rarely refer to the emotional basis for reasoning, what Maturana (1988) calls “emotional orientations.” In mathematics the use of deductive reasoning to satisfy needs for explanation and verification is one example of an emotional orientation. The PRISM project investigated the role of emotions, especially needs to explain, explore, and verify, in the mathematical reasoning of students in mathematics classrooms at both the primary and secondary levels.
Supported by a research grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada