Explain dual processing theory as a model of thinking and decision-making, including intuitive automatic thought. Use relevant psychological research to show how thinking processes shape judgments.
Discuss one model of thinking and decision-making.
Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of one model of thinking and decision-making.
Models of thinking and decision making include but are not limited to:
- dual-processing model - explaining two systems of thinking, system 1 and system 2
- theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour.
Relevant studies could include but are not limited to:
- Alter and Oppenheimer's (2007) study on legibility of font and thinking
- Tversky and Kahneman's (1974) studies on judgement under uncertainty
- Strack and Mussweiler (1997);
Englich and Mussweiler (2001) on anchoring bias and decision
making
- Kvaran et al.'s (2013) study on the effect of analytic and experiential modes of thought on moral judgment
- Albarracin et al.'s (2001) meta-analysis of theory of planned behavior as a model of condom use
- Bechara et al.'s (2000) study on the role of the vmPFC in decision-making.
Discussion may include but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations
- how the research findings have been interpreted and applied, for example in biases and heuristics
- implications of the research findings
- difficulties in studying cognitive processes such as thinking and decision-making - e.g. isolation of variables and measuring cognitive processes;
artificial nature of experimental research
- issues of reliability and validity
- generalizability of findings;
sampling biases
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence
- comparison with alternative theories
- individual differences in thinking and decision-making.
If a candidate addresses more than one model of thinking and decision-making, credit should be given only to the first one.