Probabilities, beliefs, and dual processing: The paradigm shift in the psychology of reasoning

Date

2012

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

In recent years, the psychology of reasoning has been undergoing a paradigm shift, with general Bayesian, probabilistic approaches replacing the older, much more restricted binary logic paradigm. At the same time, dual processing theories have been gaining influence. We argue that these developments should be integrated and moreover that such integration is already underway. The new reasoning paradigm should be grounded in dual processing for its algorithmic level of analysis just as it uses Bayesian theory for its computational level of analysis. Moreover, we propose that, within the new paradigm, these levels of analysis reflect on each other. Bayesianism suggests a specific theoretical understanding of dual processing. Just as importantly, the duality in processing carries over to duality in function; although both types of processes compute degrees of belief, they generate different functions.

Description

Keywords

Algorithmic and computational levels of explanation, Bayesianism, binary logic, degrees of belief, dual processing, new paradigm, probabilities, uncertainty

Citation

Elqayam, S. and Over, D. (2012) Probabilities, beliefs, and dual processing: The paradigm shift in the psychology of reasoning. Mind and Society, 11 (1), pp. 27-40.

Rights

Research Institute