Introduction One of the most influential theories of cognition in the last century is that posited by William James (1890) in which he suggested that reasoning in humans is divided into two distinct processing systems. The first is quick, effortless, intuitive and has little demand for cognitive capacity (known as System 1 processes) while the other is slow, effortful, deliberate and requires use of cognitive resources (System 2 processes) (Alter, Oppenheimer, Eyre & Epley, 2007; Morsanyi & Handly, 2011). Evidence suggests that we rely on our System 2 processing only after it has been triggered by certain cues and makes sense within the context of a situation (Reisberg, 2013 p. 414). As such, heuristic based judgments (System 1) are more likely to be used when under time constraints and System 2 judgments are more likely if more attention can be paid to the judgment being made (Reisberg, 2013 p. 414). However, judgment errors can be made even when one is focused and alert and time constraints can contribute to heuristic based errors people are still able make correct assumptions even when under pressure (Reisberg, 2013 p. 414). So what does it all mean and why should it matter? The following papers discuss a number of important aspects of dual process theory and how it affects how we make decisions. The first by Alter, Oppenheimer, Epley and Eyre (2007) looks at metacogntive difficulty as an activator of analytic reasoning (System 2), the second by Topolinksi and Strack (2010) looks at how fluency effects can be prevented by blocking sources of fluency variation and finally the paper by Morisanyi and Handley (2011) discusses the interplay between System 1 and System 2 processes by looking at how people evaluate syllogisms and j... ... middle of paper ... ...he also noted that mood was not correlated with performance and even when included as a covariate it was indicated that mood did not impact fluency. This then suggests that the better performance exhibited in the disfluent condition cannot be explained by incidental mood. So what does this study show in our understanding of dual process models? Most importantly this study suggests a possible explanation for some inconsistencies within fluency literature (see Monin, 2003; Guttentag & Dunn, 2003; for contradictory views on disfluency and familiarity) as well as showing how fluency of processing can be an indirect influence on judgement by serving as a cue to engage in more analytical thinking. False Fame Prevented: Avoiding Fluency Effects Without Judgemental Correction Following along the same lines as Alter et al. (2007) Topolinski and Strack’s (2010) study
Fuzzy Trace theory functions and serves as a better model for explicating reasoning and decision making. There are five parts of “processing in reasoning and decision making: (a) stored knowledge and values; (b) mental representations of problems or situations; (c) retrieval of knowledge and values; (d) implementation of knowledge and values; and (e) developmental and individual differences in monitoring and inhibiting interference” (Reyna & Brainerd, Dual Processes in Decision Making and Developmental Neuroscience: A Fuzzy-Trace Model, 2011). Stored knowledge implies what has been stored in long-term memory through education and experience. Mental representations incorporate the ways in which people perceive problems to be faced, and these representations consist of verbatim- and gist-based representations.
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Cognitive dissonance is a communication theory mostly used in the field of social psychology in providing a theoretical framework in dealing with various issues relating to psychology. The title provides us with the concept that cognitive is thinking while dissonance is the inconsistency or conflict brought about. Cognitive dissonance manifests when one holds two or more incompatible beliefs simultaneously. This theory has been used and applied in several disciplines including communication, due to its simplicity and straightforwardness. The theory is commonly applied in these dynamic fields since it replaces previous conditioning or reinforcement theories by viewing individuals as more purposeful decision makers striving to acquire a balance in their beliefs. Cognitions are chunks or bits of knowledge which can pertain to any variety of values, emotions or values. These cognations can be related to one another or they can also be completely independent from each other (Cooper, 06). For instance, one may like to eat junk food, but may also be trying to lose weight. The two cognitions are related to each other in tha...
Revlin, Russell. "Short Term Memory and Working Memory." Cognition: theory and practice. New York, NY: Worth Publishers, 2013. 118-149. Print.
Kahneman’s theory’s breaks down human thought into two systems. Our thought processes that are deliberate, rational and analytical are System 2. This type of thought is one that takes effort and time yet can yield a more accurate picture of a situation. The opposite system, System 1, is fast, quick to judge, superficial and automatic. It relies on instinct and first impression of a situation to make judgments. Kahneman explains the balance between the two systems as the equilibrium of one’s conscious and unconscious thoughts. While System 1 offers quick, apparent information about a situation, System 2 works to put the information in the correct context and fix any errors (44). Kahneman explains that the two modes are not always at work together and at times we rely on one system more in certain situations. For example, highway driving may only require System 1 as very little mental inp...
informed prior to our conclusions and decisions. Critical thinking is not to be used as a tool to
The human mind is viewed as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flow. According to information processing theory, the information that comes from the environment is subject to mental processes beyond a simple stimulus-response pattern. The input from the environment passes through the cognitive systems which are then measured by the output. The information that is received may take several pathways depending on attention, encoding, recognition, and storage. The theory focuses on actual time responses to stimuli presented and how the mind transforms that information. Most important in this theory is that humans process information rather than perceive
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The cognitive viewpoint concentrates on the way individuals recognize prepare and recover information. Cognitive psychologists are intrigued by how memory functions how individuals take care of issues and settle on choices and comparable inquiries. (L.Burton, D.Westen, R. Kowalski, 2012. p.g.19)
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There are two main types of processing. The first type of processing is Systematic Processing. In her research on processing models of persuasion, Wendy Wood describes Systematic Processing stating that, “When people are both motivated and able to process information carefully, then attitudes are based on a more thoughtful, systematic assessment of relevant information”(Wood). Systematic Processing occurs when one really considers and thinks carefully and cautiously about new information that one has been exposed to. When systematic processing occurs, the processing of