Dual process theories: what they are and how they explain the human mind

These theories try to show how we combine two ways of thinking.

Thinking. Reasoning. Learning. We process information constantly, and with it our brain operates in different ways in order to stay alive, subsist and act adaptively in the environment. But how do we do it? Some theories speak of a single mechanism or process by which we reason, while others propose the existence of more than one.

Among the different models and theories that have been developed, especially in the latter case, we find dual process theoriesThe name actually refers to a set of more or less well-known theories about how we process information, which we will discuss in this article.

Dual process theories: basic definition

Dual process theory is the name given to the general theory, or rather to the set of general theories (since we could actually speak of up to a dozen theories), characterized by the consideration that higher cognitive capacities such as cognition or reasoning exist as a result of not one but two basic processes or systems, whose interaction allows us to generate thoughts.whose interaction allows us to generate thoughts and mental products.

These two processes present different characteristics in terms of the way they process information, the speed at which they do so, or the number and type of resources they employ. It should also be noted that it is generally considered that one of the processes or systems is implicit and unconscious. while the other processes the information explicitly and voluntarily and requires a conscious effort on our part. Likewise, our experiences and biology participate and modify the capacity to carry out each of these two processes, so that no two people have the same performance or capacity.

It should be noted that the theory of the dual process we are referring to is based or focused on the existence of processes necessary to possess reasoning and decision-making capacity as well as to carry out certain behaviors. However, within the different theories of the existing dual process we can extrapolate the existence of two processes in different fields, such as in the case of learning or even economics, marketing, marketing (as it would influence different ways of (as it would influence different ways of persuading others) and society.

The two systems

The two systems that are considered from the perspective of the dual process theory may vary depending on the type of theory we are talking about, but nevertheless we can consider that broadly speaking we would be talking about two specific types of system.

System 1

System 1 would correspond to what in everyday language, according to Kahneman, we would call intuition. It would be a totally unconscious information processing system, in which information is worked implicitly and in the background. The action of this system is fast and requires few resources, operating at an automatic level.. It does not require logic and uses parallel information processing. It is also based more on the innate association between stimuli and is not usually able to express itself verbally. However, however unconscious it may be, it is affected by previous experience and emotion.

This is a system that allows a quick and almost immediate reaction to the environment, in such a way that it allows us to make decisions that can save our lives. It is the system that allows us to form a first impression of the situation and act accordingly, and the decision making is based more on the contextual and on our inner nature and on our inner nature rather than on logic. It is the oldest mechanism phylogenetically speaking, being part not only of our species but also of the rest of animals.

System 2

The implementation of this system involves decision making and processing, requiring a conscious and voluntary process. This is what Kahneman identifies with true reasoning. This system is considered to be typically human, being one of the most novel at the phylogenetic level.

Great involvement of the neocortex is observed. It is based on logic and requires explicit processing, can work with abstract and symbolic elements such as language and works serially.. It requires a large amount of cognitive resources and time to be used, and allows the analysis and conscious control of thought and behavior.

Although system 2 does not allow an immediate response and in imminent situations it may not be fast enough to guarantee survival, it is true that it is very useful in allowing reflection on the different courses of action, the implications of each situation and working with more abstract elements. This has an impact on our ability to plan and predict, as well as to evaluate not only emotionally but also logically the different options.

The need for both ways of thinking

These two systems are very different from each other, but it is their combination that makes us what we are. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, complementing each other to favor our survival and adaptation to the environment. Therefore, trying to find a balance to find a balance between the two is idealThe dual process theory of Groves, as it pushes us to act at the same time that our actions can be inhibited and modified in order to achieve specific goals and objectives.

The dual process theory of Groves and Thompson

We have already indicated that the idea of the existence of information processing based on two different processes has been used in many fields. One of the best known in the field of psychology is that of Groves and Thompson.

The dual-process theory of these two authors is based on the effects of exposure to stimuli repeatedly over timefrom a perspective based rather on unconscious processes. These authors consider that the repeated experience of a specific event or stimulation can generate modifications in behavior in such a way that it is stimulated or inhibited.

Specifically, they speak of habituation as the process by which a stimulus loses stimulating force after repeated presentation over time, so that the reaction to the same amount of stimulation will be less over time. This process explains the acquisition of very diverse automatismsThis process explains the acquisition of very diverse automatisms, at the same time that it allows the acquisition of complex capacities as the basic steps require fewer resources. An example could be learning to speak or to walk, and in general also associative processes.

On the other hand, some stimulations can provoke the opposite effect when repeated, this being another process called sensitization. In this case, each presentation of the same stimulus will be increasingly stronger and generate greater effects. This will make the stimulus more and more activating for the subject..

It is usual that this process appears in emotionally stimulating situations for the subject and in which some type of motivation appears, as well as when the stimulus in question is of a very high intensity. It can serve, for example, to maintain the level of alarm in the face of loud noises that could be indicating the proximity of some danger.

As with the dual processing theory mentioned above, the two processes are not necessarily mutually exclusive, the two processes are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but rather appear together but appear together, adding up to generate a specific reaction or consequence. However, this dual processing theory differs from the one presented above in the fact that in both cases we would be dealing with basically unconscious processes, both being part of system 1.