Dual-Process Theory of Cognition

 

Thinking Woman 2024
by Geoffrey W. Sutton & Bing AI

The dual-process theory of cognition posits that human minds process information about the world in two ways, which are called system 1 and system 2. 

System 1 quickly processes information, which is influenced by cognitive biases and heuristics. System one thinking has been described as automatic, intuitive, and associative. System 2 is a slower system that requires cognitive effort. System 2 has been described as rational and analytical.

For an excellent review of research on system 1 and system 2 thinking, see Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

 

Cite this post

Sutton, G. W. (2024, January 8). dual-process theory of cognition. Psychology Concepts and Theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/01/dual-process-theory-of-cognition.html

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation. 

Availability heuristic or availability bias in psychology

The availability heuristic refers to a mental process of forming a judgment or making a decision based on information that readily comes to mind rather than a careful analysis of all relevant information.

Psychological scientists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman are credited with the research supporting the existence of the availability heuristic or bias.

People tend to give more weight to recent or easily recalled information instead of searching for all the relevant information when making a decision.

Factors contributing to "availability."

Recency bias- Recent information gets more weight because it is more easily recalled. Obviously, in serious matters, older information may be more or equally relevant.

Consequences- When the consequences or outcomes of an event are easy to remember, those consequences appear greater than do others.

Frequency and probability- When people easily recall information about an event, they are apt to overestimate its frequency or the probability of the event occurring. Airline accidents in the news can lead to seriously overestimating the risk of flying.

Problems with the availability heuristic- When people make a quick decision based on easily available information, they may make a serious mistake. The process of thinking about all the relevant evidence can be too slow and effortful for many people, but in some cases, a careful analysis is critical to health and wellbeing.

Another term: Availability bias

Learn more about heuristics in Thinking, Fast and Slow by Kahneman

Please check out my website   www.suttong.com

   and see my books on   AMAZON       or  GOOGLE STORE

Also, consider connecting with me on    FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton    

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton    

You can read many published articles at no charge:

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton     ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton