Take the best versus simultaneous feature matching: probabilistic inferences from memory and effects of representation format.
In 4 experiments, the tendency to use the simple heuristic Take The Best (TTB; G. Gigerenzer & D. Goldstein, 1996) was explored for probabilistic multiattribute inferences from memory. In a newly developed procedure, participants first learned attribute patterns that formed the basis for inferences in a second phase. A Bayesian method classified strategies as TTB, compensatory, or guessing. Experiment 1 had a high rate (64%) of participants classified as TTB users when inferences were made from memory. Experiment 2 showed that this was no mere materials effect. In Experiments 3 and 4, the authors examined effects of the representational format of the attribute information. Experiment 4 showed that the representational format may be an important moderating variable for strategy use.
Bröder
Arndt
A
Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Germany. broeder@uni-bonn.de
Schiffer
Stefanie
S
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D015233:Models, Statistical; D013997:Time Factors