engleski

The Even-Odd task: Matching bias in a simple mathematics task

Recent models of dual-process reasoning propose the existence of multiple Type 1 processes which cue initial responses. These responses differ in weights which produces a hierarchy of Type 1 responses. When response conflict is present and detected, Type 2 processing is initiated to resolve it. Most typical tasks induce conflict between heuristic and normative responses with a large difference in weight. Our goal was to design a task for which the correct response could be based on processing which should produce a response closer in weight to a known heuristic. Participants (N=57, Mage=20.80, SDage=1.63) were shown two single- or double-digit numbers and were asked to decide as fast and as accurately as possible whether the sum of those numbers was even or odd. The participants completed three experimental conditions (two even numbers, two odd numbers, an even and an odd number). A matching bias should lead to more accurate and rapid responses when both numbers are even, and to a decrease in speed and accuracy when both numbers are odd. Analysis showed significantly lower accuracy in the odd/odd compared to both of the remaining conditions. Additionally, accuracy was higher in the even/even than the even/odd condition. In general, responses were faster for single- than for double-digit trials. The differences between all three combinations of presented numbers were significant with the slowest responses in the odd/odd and fastest in the even/even condition. These differences were more pronounced in the double-digit condition. To conclude, the Even-Odd task successfully discriminates between different Type 1 processes, which would make it suitable for a wide range of studies.

reasoning, matching bias, dual-process theory, even-odd task, mathematical reasoning

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