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Numerals as triggers of System 1 and System 2 in the ‘bat and ball’ problem

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  • Antonio Mastrogiorgio
  • Enrico Petracca

Abstract

The ‘bat and ball’ is one of the problems most frequently employed as a testbed for research on the dual-system hypothesis of reasoning. Frederick (J Econ Perspect 19:25–42, 2005 ) is the first to envisage the possibility that different numerical arrangements of the ‘bat and ball’ problem could lead to different dynamics of activation of the dual-system, and so to different performances of subjects in task accomplishment. This possibility has triggered a strand of research oriented to accomplish ‘sensitivity analyses’ of the ‘bat and ball’ problem. The scope of this paper is to test experimentally the specific hypothesis that numerals are responsible for the selective activation of the two systems of reasoning in this task. In particular, we argue that their role goes beyond and cannot be reduced to that of numbers conceived as magnitudes. To test our hypothesis, we devise an experimental setting in which the role of numbers (as magnitudes) is rendered irrelevant. We find experimental results consistent with our hypothesis. We further provide a link between the literature on mathematical problem-solving and that on mathematical cognition research, in particular that branch labeled embodied mathematical cognition. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Mastrogiorgio & Enrico Petracca, 2014. "Numerals as triggers of System 1 and System 2 in the ‘bat and ball’ problem," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 13(1), pages 135-148, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:minsoc:v:13:y:2014:i:1:p:135-148
    DOI: 10.1007/s11299-014-0138-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oechssler, Jörg & Roider, Andreas & Schmitz, Patrick W., 2009. "Cognitive abilities and behavioral biases," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 72(1), pages 147-152, October.
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    8. repec:cup:judgdm:v:5:y:2010:i:3:p:182-191 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mastrogiorgio, Antonio & Petracca, Enrico, 2016. "Embodying rationality," MPRA Paper 74658, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Anca Tamas, 2020. "Cognitive Reflection Test - Next Generation," International Journal of Teaching and Education, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 8(1), pages 84-96, April.

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