engleski

Do higher-level chess players tend to rely on heuristics more in general as well as in chess problem-solving?

Chess experts tend to use type 1 processes of thinking (heuristic, intuitive, fast) in familiar chess positions and type 2 (deliberate, reflexive, slow) in less familiar chess positions. It is possible to explore such a tendency, in a broader context, by applying the cognitive reflection test (CRT) which measures one’s tendency to override intuitive responses and engage in a more reflexive cognitive process. Using heuristics in general and specific problem-solving might reveal the general nature of a (chess) experts' cognition. This study was based on the results from the broader research project on chess expertise. For this particular study, a correlation research design was deployed. The goal was to investigate the relationship between chess expertise and cognitive styles in solving general and domain-specific problems. It was hypothesised that chess players with a higher rating are more efficient in solving chess and CRT problems and that chess players’ problem-solving efficiency will positively correlate with their CRT efficiency in general. The participants’ (N=48, age M=30, 5 female) chess expertise was displayed on the chess national rating system scale (ranging from 1547 to 2270 Elo points). Chess problems were developed in collaboration with an independent group of chess experts, and they varied in difficulty and position motives. The participants solved 24 chess problems followed by CRT, both presented on a computer screen. They had three minutes per chess problem and no restriction time on the CRT (response time was measured by the last click on a problem). The accuracy and decision time in chess and CRT problems was measured and then analysed by Spearman’s rho correlation. The analysis revealed that chess players with a higher rating are more efficient in chess problem solving (solved problems - rho = .77, p<.001, decision time - rho = -.61, p<.001). Also, more expert players showed shorter decision-time in intuitive responses to CRT problems (rho = -.32, p<.05). Furthermore, contrary to expectations, it was shown that the chess players that were more efficient in chess problem solving were less efficient in CRT (rho = -.29, p<.05). These results indicate that more efficient chess players tend to have a less reflective cognitive style. In other words, it seems that they are more prone to using an intuitive approach, i.e. heuristics in their decision-making whether in chess or more general problem-solving. We assume that this outcome is the result of advanced players’ more automated chess responses for a wider range of problem situations.

chess problem solving ; Cognitive Reflection Test ; expert reasoning ; cognitive styles ; dual process theory of thinking

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