Abstract
A framework is presented to better characterize the role of individual differences in information processing style and their interplay with contextual factors in determining decision making quality. In Experiment 1, we show that individual differences in information processing style are flexible and can be modified by situational factors. Specifically, a situational manipulation that induced an analytical mode of thought improved decision quality. In Experiment 2, we show that this improvement in decision quality is highly contingent on the compatibility between the dominant thinking mode and the nature of the task. That is, encouraging an intuitive mode of thought led to better performance on an intuitive task but hampered performance on an analytical task. The reverse pattern was obtained when an analytical mode of thought was encouraged. We discuss the implications of these results for the assessment of decision making competence, and suggest practical directions to help individuals better adjust their information processing style to the situation at hand and make optimal decisions.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1088 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
Volume | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 30 Jul 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors thank Danit Deutsch, Inbal Frenkel, and Daffie Konis for their assistance. This research was supported by an Israel Science Foundation (ISF) Grant # 1566/2012 to SA.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2015 Ayal, Rusou, Zakay and Hochman.
Keywords
- biases
- decision making competence
- dual-process theory
- individual differences
- information processing style
- intuitive
- rational
- transitivity