Thinking and Decision-making

Question 1

Thinking

Answer 1

Process of using knowledge and information to make plans, interpret the world and make predictions about the world in general

Question 2

Thinking uses knowledge and information to: (3)

Answer 2

• make plans
• interpret the world
• make predictions

Question 3

Components of thinking (4)

Answer 3

• problem-solving
• creativity
• reasoning
• decision-making

Question 4

Decision-making

Answer 4

Process of identifying and choosing alternatives based on the values and preferences of the decision-maker

Question 5

Problem-solving

Answer 5

Thinking aimed at solving specific problems using mental strategies

Question 6

System 1

Answer 6

Automatic, intuitive and effortless
* uses heuristics and allows for fast mode of thinking allows for efficient processing in a complex world
* can’t transfer information from one situation to another
* creates strong sense of certainty, even if the response is incorrect

Question 7

System 2

Answer 7

Slower, conscious and rational
* requires more mental effort and involves careful consideration and process of elimination
* less likely to create strong feelings of certainty and confidence

Question 8

Heuristics

Answer 8

Decision-making shortcuts - used for “rules of thumb” decision-making

Question 9

Relationship between system 1 & 2

Answer 9

Often use both of these systems when addressing a problem
* system 1 will reach a quick conclusion and then system 2 will go into further analysis to reach a “more correct” conclusion
* often system 1 interferes with the effectiveness of system 2

Question 10

Why do we use system 1? (3)

Answer 10

• we always try to use as little energy as we can to think - law of easy effort
• even when we want to focus, it can be difficult
• sometimes out cognitive load is too high

Question 11

Peak-end rule

Answer 11

A heauristic in which people judge an experience largely based on how they felt at its peak (most intense point) and at its end - rather than based on the total sum or average of every moment
* can be positive or negative
* other info is not forgotten rather unused in reaching a decision or judgement

Question 12

Strengths of Dual Process Model (2)

Answer 12

• biological evidnce that different types of thinking may be processed in different parts of the brain
• the Wason selection task and other tests for cognitive biases are reliable in their results

Question 13

Limitations of dual process model (2)

Answer 13

• model can seem to be overly reductionist - does not clearly explain how models of thinking interact or how T&DM could be influenced by emotion
• definitions of system 1 & system 2 are not always clear
  
  • e.g. fast processing indicates use of S1 not S2 - fast does not mean it is done by S1