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  4. Unbounded Irrationality: Memory, Individual Differences, Framing Effects, And Fuzzy-Trace Theory

Unbounded Irrationality: Memory, Individual Differences, Framing Effects, And Fuzzy-Trace Theory

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jcc367.pdf (561.48 KB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/34259
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Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Corbin, Jonathan
Abstract

This study tests the assumption that processing limitations (in working memory capacity and numeracy) underlie biased decision-making. In these experiments, access to framing information during decision-making was manipulated. Having access to the information led to larger framing biases. Counterintuitively, higher working memory predicted more framing bias, except for in those with high numeracy, suggesting spontaneous conversion between frames for high numerates. In a second experiment, relationships between memory for the problem information and decision-making were analyzed. Crucial for the some-none comparison underlying framing effects, memory for the zero-complement was related to more framing. Memory for the endowment (total lives at risk), which is crucial for spontaneous conversion between frames, led to less bias. Results support fuzzy-trace theory's conception of framing effects, specifically that bias is linked to gist (i.e., meaningful representations of the problem), whereas reduced framing is linked to rote calculation (i.e., verbatim processing).

Date Issued
2013-08-19
Keywords
Framing
•
Individual Differences
•
Fuzzy-Trace Theory
Committee Chair
Reyna, Valerie
Committee Member
Brainerd, Charles
Russo, J. Edward
Degree Discipline
Developmental Psychology
Degree Name
M.A., Developmental Psychology
Degree Level
Master of Arts
Type
dissertation or thesis

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