FSU ETD Logo

Title page for ETD etd-07052007-220156


Type of Document Dissertation
Author Cokely, Edward T.
Author's Email Address cokely@psy.fsu.edu
URN etd-07052007-220156
Title Adaptive Mechanisms of Superior Judgment under Uncertainty: Rational Choices from Simple Heuristics and Elaborative Strategies
Degree Doctor of Philosophy
Department Psychology, Department of
Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title
Colleen M. Kelley Committee Chair
Joyce Ehrlinger Committee Member
K. Anders Ericsson Committee Member
Michelle Bourgeois Committee Member
Neil Charness Committee Member
Keywords
  • Judgment Under Uncertainty
  • Individual Differences
  • Decision Making
  • Cognitive Abilities
Date of Defense 2007-06-28
Availability unrestricted
Abstract
Several studies demonstrate a consistent, positive relationship between cognitive ability measures and normatively superior judgment and decision behavior. However, little is known about the cognitive processes and mechanisms that give rise to these individual differences or more generally produce rational judgments under uncertainty. In a series of two experiments, protocol analysis and individual difference measures were used to demonstrate that, in contrast to the processes predicted by a rational theory (i.e. expected value calculations), rational choices often arise from combinations of simple considerations. These processes are similar to those predicted by the priority heuristic, although the priority heuristic generally predicted choices poorly, at or below chance levels. Critically, individual differences in elaborative adaptive strategies (e.g. more and more varied combinations of simple considerations) were strongly positively related to rational choices and fully mediated the cognitive ability and rational choice relationship. Implications for descriptive and process level models of choice are discussed.
Files
  Filename       Size       Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds) 
 
 28.8 Modem   56K Modem   ISDN (64 Kb)   ISDN (128 Kb)   Higher-speed Access 
  cokelydissertation.pdf 590.79 Kb 00:02:44 00:01:24 00:01:13 00:00:36 00:00:03

Browse All Available ETDs by ( Author | Department )

If you have more questions or technical problems, please Contact the FSU Digital Library Center.