Dual process theory

Dual process models of the human mind contrast automatic, fast, and non-conscious (System 1) with controlled, slow, and conscious (System 2) thinking (see Strack & Deutsch, 2015, for an extensive review). Many heuristics and cognitive biases studied by behavioral economists are the result of intuitions, impressions, or automatic thoughts generated by System 1 (Kahneman, 2011). Factors that make System 1’s processes more dominant in decision making include cognitive busyness, distraction, time pressure, and positive mood, while System 2’s processes tend to be enhanced when the decision involves an important object, has heightened personal relevance, and when the decision maker is held accountable by others (Samson & Voyer, 2012; Samson & Voyer, 2014).

Learn More

More about dual process theory on this website.

Find the latest research on dual process theory.

Watch videos on dual process theory

References

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. London: Allen Lane.

Samson, A., & Voyer, B. (2014). Emergency purchasing situations: Implications for consumer decision-making. Journal of Economic Psychology, 44, 21-33.

Samson, A., & Voyer, B. (2012). Two minds, three ways: Dual system and process models in consumer psychology. Academy of Marketing Science Review, 2, 48–71.

Strack, F., & Deutsch, R. (2015). The duality of everyday life: Dual-process and dual system models in social psychology. APA Handbook of Personality and Social Psychology, 1, 891-927.