Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Springer
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Psychology and Social Science / Cognition Research Group
RAS ID
16352
Abstract
We used a mathematical modeling approach, based on a sample of 2,019 participants, to better understand what the cognitive reflection test (CRT; Frederick In Journal of Economic Perspectives, 19, 25–42, 2005) measures. This test, which is typically completed in less than 10 min, contains three problems and aims to measure the ability or disposition to resist reporting the response that first comes to mind. However, since the test contains three mathematically based problems, it is possible that the test only measures mathematical abilities, and not cognitive reflection. We found that the models that included an inhibition parameter (i.e., the probability of inhibiting an intuitive response), as well as a mathematical parameter (i.e., the probability of using an adequate mathematical procedure), fitted the data better than a model that only included a mathematical parameter. We also found that the inhibition parameter in males is best explained by both rational thinking ability and the disposition toward actively open-minded thinking, whereas in females this parameter was better explained by rational thinking only. With these findings, this study contributes to the understanding of the processes involved in solving the CRT, and will be particularly useful for researchers who are considering using this test in their research.
DOI
10.3758/s13421-013-0367-9
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of: Campitelli, G. J., & Gerrans, P. (2013). Does the cognitive reflection test measure cognitive reflection? A mathematical modeling approach. Memory and Cognition, 42(3), 434-447.
The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/s13421-013-0367-9