3.4.3—Dual processing theory

Dual-process theory distinguishes fast, automatic and associative processing from slower, effortful and rule-based reasoning. Both can be adaptive; reliability depends on expertise, feedback, time and the structure of the task.

Fast processing uses learned patterns efficiently, while slow processing can check a tempting intuition in a novel or high-stakes problem. Switching between them is a control problem, not a moral choice between good and bad thinking.

Recognising a familiar face is fast and usually useful. Checking whether a sale price is really lower than the original requires deliberate calculation because the display can invite a misleading shortcut.

System 1 is not always irrational and System 2 is not always correct. State the trigger, knowledge and opportunity for checking before explaining an error.