Cognitive Reflection Test System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking 3

Question 1

In the classic bat-and-ball problem, the intuitive but wrong answer of 10 cents comes from:

Accepted Answer

System 1

Answer

The tempting 10-cent answer is generated automatically by System 1 before reflection.

Question 2

Which activity is most likely to require sustained System 2 effort?

Accepted Answer

Filling out a complex tax form

Answer

Complex forms demand focused, deliberate attention characteristic of System 2.

Question 3

When System 2 is busy (cognitively loaded), people tend to:

Accepted Answer

Rely more heavily on System 1 intuitions

Answer

Cognitive load reduces System 2 monitoring, so intuitive System 1 responses dominate.

Question 4

The term 'heuristic' as used in dual-process theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

A mental shortcut for quick judgments

Answer

Heuristics are rule-of-thumb shortcuts that System 1 uses to make fast judgments.

Question 5

Which is a typical feature of System 2 rather than System 1?

Accepted Answer

Following rules and comparing options deliberately

Answer

Deliberate rule-following and comparison are hallmark System 2 operations.

Cognitive Reflection Test Practice Test