2.2.6—Dual processing theory
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Objective
- 2.2.6
- Level
- SL
Fast and slow thinking solve different kinds of problem
Dual-process models distinguish fast, automatic, associative processing from slower, effortful and rule-based reasoning. Both can be useful; the context determines which is reliable.
Fast processing is efficient when patterns are familiar and feedback has trained accuracy. Slow processing is valuable when a problem is novel, high-stakes or designed to trigger a misleading intuition.
Recognising a familiar word uses little effort. Checking whether a discount really beats the original price requires deliberate calculation because the display can invite a quick but wrong comparison.
System 1 is not always irrational and System 2 is not always correct. Explain the trigger, expertise and opportunity for checking.