The Cost of Thinking - Testing a Paradigm that Measures Mental Costs

摘要: Research on why we use a specific mode of thinking has long recognised the relevance mental costs. The definition this cost, however, either been too abstract to be measured or focusing metabolic costs, which currently is expensive and difficult measure. In experiment, used paradigm that measures behavioural cost three modes (rational reflection, emotional reflection comparison task) by performance (reaction times) consecutive task (emotional neutral Stroop). To get measure participants’ habitual way thinking, questionnaire covering two pedagogic constructs: separate connected knowing (ATTLS). Reaction times were longest following rational reflective thought, while both thought led shorter reaction times. These differences varied with timing, so became gradually shorter, increasing Based these results suggest add differently load hence switching between different thought. A relationship individual vs processing (measured ATTLS questionnaire) indicated ecological validity measures. Taken together, shows promise as tool for disentangling interaction between, of, thinking. (Less)