Week 6: Reasoning

Question 1

What is the normative way of reasoning?

Answer 1

Formal logic and probability

Question 2

What is formal logic?

Answer 2

This is a system of calculating where our conclusions follow from a set of facts and the connections between them.

Question 3

How do we test formal logic in psychology?

Answer 3

Studies focus on inferences that are objectively true at all times

Facts typically have 2 values such as true/false or odd/even

Question 4

What is the flaw in how we test formal logic in psychology?

Answer 4

Real life problems are rarely dichotamous so it doesn’t generalise to natural spaces

Question 5

How do we use probability as a normative method of reasoning?

Answer 5

We conclude based on the most likely option such as a doctor diagnosing a patient. We then update our intial beliefs as new information is presented

Question 6

How is normative reasoning different to reasoning in real life?

Answer 6

We don’t always use logical rules

Question 7

What is the mental model theory of reasoning?

Answer 7

When presented with the facts, we run through all the possabilities in our heads

If the conclusion is true in every scenario, it’s a valid conclusion

Question 8

What is relational reasoning?

Answer 8

When not presented with the direct facts, they can be inferred by looking at similar objects. For example, assuming one animal is bigger than another

Question 9

What are causal mental models?

Answer 9

When we are aware of causal relationships between objects, we draw inferences between them which are not always accurate

Question 10

What is the evidence that humans reason in irrational ways?

Answer 10

People deviate from normative solutions for tasks in their decision making and reasoning

Question 11

What is the weakness of rationality studies in labs?

Answer 11

They provide too much information for us to process analytically so we focus on our biases instead

Question 12

Who came up with Bounded Rationality?

Answer 12

Simon

Question 13

What is bounded rationality?

Answer 13

We find optimal solutions given the constraints of cognition and the environment. Heuristics is used to make effective decisions and are not inherantly biased

Question 14

What is the dual process theory of reasoning?

Answer 14

We use two systems when making decisions

Question 15

What is system 1 in the dual process theory of reasoning?

Answer 15

Unconscious 
Automatic 
Low effort 
Contextialised
Emotive 
Doesn't use working memory

Question 16

What is system 2 in the dual process theory of reasoning?

Answer 16

Explicit 
Controlled 
High effort 
Analytical
Abstract 
Limited by intelligence

Question 17

In the dual process theory of reasoning, how can conflict and problems arise in our reasoning?

Answer 17

If S1 and S2 are at odds with each other

Question 18

What evidence is there for the dual process theory of reasoning?

Answer 18

Heuristic responses are fast and analytic responses are slow
Fast response deadlines prevent analytic thinking
Conflict problems occur when heuristics are biased

Question 19

What is the effect of working memory load on the dual process theory of reasoning?

Answer 19

Additional load prevents analytic thinking and reduces our accuracy on conflict problems

Question 20

What is the cognitive reflection test?

Answer 20

People who use S1 thinking are more prone to bias

High scores = high analytic thinking

Question 21

What is true for people who score lower on the cognitive reflection test?

Answer 21

Rate pseudo-profound statements as deeply meaningful
Belive in ghosts and conspiracy theories
Less likely to believe in evolution

Question 22

How do we decide when to use S1 and S2?

Answer 22

If we’re already fluent in a subject, we use S1, if not, we use S2

Question 23

What is deontological morality?

Answer 23

Moral judgements should be based on rights and duties

Question 24

What is utilitarian morality?

Answer 24

We weigh up the costs and benifits for the greater good

Question 25

According to the dual process theory of reasoning, what system does deontoligical morality use?

Answer 25

S1 - bias

Question 26

According to the dual process theory of reasoning, what system does utilitarian morality use?

Answer 26

S2 - analytical

Question 27

What is the linear model of reasoning?

Answer 27

Mechanical judgements are more accurate than clinical ones

We should gather data in a linear fashion