Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Question 1

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Aim

Answer 1

To see if the Wason Selection Task is completed with more accuracy if the task is made more personally relevant

Question 2

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Procedure

Answer 2

• approx 140 undergrad psych students at the uni of florida
• Participants were randomly allocated to one of six groups in order to counterbalance the experiment.
• Each group was given a workbook with three problems. Each group had a different order.
• For each of the following statements, they were asked which cards they would have to turn over in order to prove if the following statement is true.
  
  • Abstract Task: If a card has an A on one side, then it has a 3 on the other side
    
    • Cards: A, B, 2, 3
  • Intermediate Task: If a person is wearing blue, then the person must be over 19 years old.
    
    • Cards: Wearing blue, wearing green, 22 years old, 16 years old
  • Memory cueing task: If a person is drinking beer, then that person must be over 18 years old
    
    • Cards: Drinking beer, drinking Coke, 22 years old, 16 years old

Question 3

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Findings

Answer 3

• Abstract task: Less than 5% solved the task correctly. Often just chose cards that confirmed the rule (showing confirmation bias).
• Intermediate task: Approx 40% solved the task correctly.
• Memory cueing task: Approx 60% solved the task correctly
• Order effects also influenced accuracy
• Supports hypothesis that people tend to use System 1 first to solve problems (rely on intuition rather than problem solving)
• Supports the theory that the more abstract and less relevant the task, the more likely that cognitive biases would be used to solve the problem (resulting in less accuracy)

Question 4

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Easily replicated (results are reliable)
• Used a repeated measures design
• Counterbalanced conditions

Question 5

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Sampling bias (undergrad students)
• Lack ecological validity (often don’t make decisions in isolation or with much focus)

Question 6

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• informed consent was obtained

Question 7

Cox and Griggs (Wason selection task) Study (cognitive)

Research Method

Answer 7

Experiment