Dual-process theories Flashcards
In the book Thinking Fast & Slow, where is Kahneman elaborating on?
On Simons notion of bounded rationality and that this describes the harsh reality of human decision making (‘fast’ decisions).
What is the idea of bounded rationality?
Being rational is the standard, bounded suggests that there is still rationality left, but it is bounded by all sorts of capacity limiting factors, such as being in a hot state.
–> irrationality is suggesting that there is no rationality (this cannot be the case).
What is the history on the 2 systems?
When the mind became a thing, people thought of it like a irrational box (system 1 processes). Then system 2 was invented to regulate the irrational system 1. The early research revealed that system 1 was present, and then system 2 was designed to regulate it.
System 1 words:
- Heuristic
- Experiential
- Intuitive
- Reflexive
- Hot
- Holistic
- Peripheral
- Implicit
- Automatic
- Associative
- Impulsive
- Unconscious
System 2 words:
- Systematic
- Analytic
- Rational
- Deliberate
- Reflective
- Cold
- Central
- Explicit
- Controlled
- Rule based
- Conscious
Which two definitions formed the way of thinking from William James?
Associative and True reasoning; Associative knowledge was derived only from past experiences, as opposed to true reasoning being used in new scenarios that an individual is unfamiliar with.
Why is system 2 scarcer than system 1?
We are always able to engage in intuitive or impulsive judgement, whereas deliberate reflective reasoning requires access to our cognitive resources, these are not always available.
What does the evolutionary perspective say about the systems?
System 1 is default and more beneficial for survival and system 2 is a luxury.
What are the two prototypical approaches of the dual-systems?
- Social psychology (Strack & Deutsch) –> system 1 impulses lead to risky decisions and thus are bad. Freudian: impulse reactions need to be regulated by the ego, the more sensible system. Both systems compete, system 1 needs to be restrained by system 2.
- Cognitive psychology –> system 1 is not inferior to system 2 but still error prone and not bad nor good (neutral). Both systems operate in concert.
Why is system 1 not necessarily error prone?
We have been to the moon –> if you have a lot of expertise, your knowledge is often more intuitive (system 1).
- Conscious deliberation may even interfere.
What is nudgeability?
Conditions that determine to what extent people are
receptive to the influence of nudges.
- Transparency
- Preference
- Modus of thinking, either system 1 or 2
What is transparency in terms of nudgeability?
Nudges ‘work in the dark’ and would only be effective if people are unaware of their presence and/or influence.
–> some research found that transparency doesn’t ruin the effect
What are preferences in terms of nudgeability?
Nudges should be most effective in people who are slightly ambivalent about their choice and support them in bridging the intention behavior gap.
–> nudges cannot overrule strong preferences; people often choose the middle option.
What is the modus of thinking in terms of nudgeability?
Effects of nudges would hinge on people not paying attention. Often suggested that when people are in a S1 mindset, they should be more susceptible to nudges.
–> Research found that people in a S1 mindset were not more responsive to a nudge; a nudge still works when someone thinks about it S2
–> Nudges don’t rely on system 1 only.
What is important in a nudge and also ethically required?
Autonomy –> all the critique on system 1 & 2 was that nudges wouldn’t allow people to make autonomous choices
- Thaler & Sunstein claim that autonomous choice is safeguarded, because of the available other options.
What are the observed findings from hypothetical choice and the real choice?
- In case of a hypothetical choice –> people expect that they will feel less autonomous in the presence of nudge and wouldn’t like this.
- In case of a real choice –> autonomy is not affected, nor less satisfied with their choice or feelings pressured.
What are system 2 nudges?
–> Classic system 1 nudges may be more system 2 than people think.
New wave in nudge research focus on think nudges and boosting.
What is boosting (S2 nudge)?
Giving people the opportunity to transcend their immediate concerns and make decisions that are in their best interest in the future; focuses on empowering people by improving their competences to make better choices.
What are system 2 nudges meant to do?
- Empower people
- Induce better decision making
- Correct impulsive choices
