Lecture 2 - Dual Process Theories & Beyond Flashcards
Bounded rationality
The idea that, as humans, we cannot process all information that is in our environment.
Unbounded rationality
Computers have unlimited resources
What are positive illusions?
Unrealistically favourable attitudes that are highly prevalent in normal thought.
Name three positive illusions
- Unrealistic optimism about the future
- Illusion of control
- Above average effect
Dual process model according to evolutionary perspective
System 1 is older and more adaptive for survival. However it is also based on intuition and impulses. Therefore system 2 was created to regulate the irrational system 1.
How did William James already mention two kinds of thinking?
- Associative thinking: images from past experiences.
- True reasoning: for unusual situations
Characteristics of System 1
Fast, automatic, unconscious, uses shortcuts to make judgements
Characteristics of system 2
Slow, deliberate, conscious, elaborating on information
Which system can be influenced by external factors? And how?
System 2 can be influenced by factors as fatigue, alcohol or distraction. It needs the central working memory to guide attention
What are the two prototypical appoaches to dual process models
Social psychology and cognitive psychology
Social psychology
- System 1 is bad as impulses lead to risky decisions.
- System 1 leads behavior unless inhibited by system 2.
- Impulses lead to giving in to immediate wishes and neglecting long-term goals.
Why are the assumptions of social psychology not always true?
- Reasoning can lead to bad decisions. E.g. in a study in which one condition had to put effort in a task, and in the other condition not. People in the effort condition were more likely to eat candy afterwards, because they justified it to themselves.
- Impulses can lead to good behavior. E.g. in a state of low self-control people were easier influenced to choose a healthier options.
Cognitive psychology
System 1 is not necessarily bad, but not good either. It is error prone.
Which is a disadvantage of cognitive psychology
The Linda Problem
What is an advantage of cognitive psychology
Many everyday decisions involve rapid decision making, using little effort. This can lead to errors, but this is not always the case.
Do nudges rely on system 1 or system 2.
Nudges can rely on both system 1 and 2.
Three assumptions of nudgeability
- Transparency
- Preferences
- Nudges are equally effective in s1 and s2
Nudgeability
The extent to which behavior can be influenced by nudges
Transparency
Nudges are still effectiev when transparent. And might even be more effective because they are more serious and socially accepted.
Ethical view on transparency
There is less manipulation when there is transparency
Theoretical view on transparency
It allows people to reflect on their decision making, which causes them to make conscious system 2 decisions.
What is assumption II: preferences?
Nudges should be most effective in people who are slightly ambivalent about their choice and support them in bridging the intention behavior gap.
When are people less effected by a nudge?
- When they have strong preferences
- When they have to articulate their preference first.
What is assumption III: Nudges are equally effective in S1 and S2
People in S1 and S2 mindsets are equally effected by nudges.
