How necessary is the unconscious as a predictive, explanatory, or prescriptive construct?

We elucidate the epistemological futility of using concepts such as unconscious thinking in research. Focusing on Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) use of the lens model as a framework, we clarify issues with regard to unconscious-thought theory (UTT) and self-insight studies. We examine th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Behavioral and brain sciences 2014-02, Vol.37 (1), p.28-28
Main Authors: González-Vallejo, Claudia, Stewart, Thomas R., Lassiter, G. Daniel, Weindhardt, Justin M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Cognition & reasoning
Decision Making
Humans
Mathematical models
Open Peer Commentary
Unconscious (Psychology)
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Summary:We elucidate the epistemological futility of using concepts such as unconscious thinking in research. Focusing on Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) use of the lens model as a framework, we clarify issues with regard to unconscious-thought theory (UTT) and self-insight studies. We examine these key points: Brunswikian psychology is absent in UTT; research on self-insight did not emerge to explore the unconscious; the accuracy of judgments does not necessitate the unconscious; and the prescriptive claim of UTT is unfounded.
ISSN:0140-525X
1469-1825
DOI:10.1017/S0140525X1300071X