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Related Concept Videos

Reason and Intuition01:37

Reason and Intuition

The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the brain can only use...
The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic01:25

The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic

In order to make good decisions, we use our knowledge and our reasoning. Often, this knowledge and reasoning is sound and solid. However, sometimes, we are swayed by biases or by others manipulating a situation. For example, let’s say you and three friends wanted to rent a house and had a combined target budget of $1,600. The realtor shows you only very run-down houses for $1,600 and then shows you a very nice house for $2,000. Might you ask each person to pay more in rent to get the $2,000...
Confirmation Biases01:31

Confirmation Biases

The confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore information that is inconsistent with our expectations. For example, if you think that your professor is not very nice, you notice all of the instances of rude behavior exhibited by the professor while ignoring the countless pleasant interactions he is involved in on a daily basis. Have you ever fallen prey to the confirmation bias, either as the source or target of such bias?
Hindsight Biases01:12

Hindsight Biases

Hindsight bias leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable, even though it really wasn’t. In other words, you knew all along that things would turn out the way they did. Can you relate this to the phrase "Hindsight is 20/20" now?
Decision Making: Traditional Method01:14

Decision Making: Traditional Method

The process of hypothesis testing based on the traditional method includes calculating the critical value, testing the value of the test statistic using the sample data, and interpreting these values.
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
Decision Making01:20

Decision Making

Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive process that involves evaluating alternatives and selecting among them. This process can range from simple choices, such as deciding what to wear, to complex decisions, like choosing a major in college or a career path. The complexity of the decision often dictates the approach we use, which can be broadly categorized into two types: automatic and controlled decision-making.
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...

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The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
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On making the right choice: the deliberation-without-attention effect.

Ap Dijksterhuis1, Maarten W Bos, Loran F Nordgren

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Roetersstraat 15, 1018 WB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. a.j.dijksterhuis@uva.nl

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 18, 2006
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Summary

Conscious thought improves simple choices, but complex decisions benefit from unconscious processing. This "deliberation-without-attention" approach enhances consumer satisfaction with intricate purchases.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Decision Science

Background:

  • Traditional decision-making models often emphasize extensive conscious deliberation.
  • Recent research suggests unconscious thought plays a significant role in complex decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the "deliberation-without-attention" hypothesis.
  • To determine if conscious deliberation is optimal for simple choices and unconscious thought for complex choices.

Main Methods:

  • Four studies were conducted involving consumer choices.
  • Studies included both laboratory experiments and real-world shopping scenarios.
  • Participants' decision-making processes (conscious vs. unconscious) were manipulated.

Main Results:

  • Simple product choices yielded better outcomes with conscious deliberation.
  • Complex product choices were viewed more favorably when made with unconscious thought.
  • The "deliberation-without-attention" hypothesis was supported across studies.

Conclusions:

  • The optimal decision-making strategy depends on the complexity of the choice.
  • For complex consumer decisions, minimizing attentive deliberation can lead to greater satisfaction.
  • Understanding the role of unconscious thought is crucial for effective decision-making strategies.