Related Experiment Videos
[Difference between numerical and verbal evaluation in the reflection of the attributes]
1Department of Psychology, School of Literature, Waseda University, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8644.
Summary
Verbal evaluations capture more atypical attributes than numerical evaluations. Instructions can systematically alter the differences between numerical and verbal evaluations when assessing countermeasures.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Decision Making
Context:
- Evaluating complex programs involves both quantitative and qualitative assessments.
- Previous research indicates differences in how typical and atypical attributes are reflected in numerical versus verbal evaluations.
Purpose:
- To investigate the differential reflection of typical and atypical attributes in numerical and verbal evaluations.
- To examine how instructions influence the divergence between numerical and verbal evaluations.
Summary:
- Two experiments evaluated plague countermeasure programs.
- Experiment 1 manipulated atypical attributes, revealing verbal evaluations captured more atypicality than numerical ones.
- Experiment 2 used instructions to alter evaluation focus, systematically changing the numerical-verbal evaluation differences.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the distinct roles of numerical and verbal evaluations in decision-making.
- Understanding these differences can inform the design of more effective program evaluations and communication strategies.