The Role of Categorization and Scale Endpoint Comparisons in Numerical Information Processing: A Two-Process Model

We propose a two-process conceptualization of numerical information processing to describe how people form impressions of a score that is described along a bounded scale. According to the model, people spontaneously categorize a score as high or low. Furthermore, they compare the numerical discrepan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental psychology. General 2017-03, Vol.146 (3), p.409-427
Main Authors: Tao, Tao, Wyer, Robert S, Zheng, Yuhuang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Classification (Cognitive Process)
Cognition
Cognitive Processes
Concept Formation
Experimental psychology
Female
Generalization (Psychology)
Human
Humans
Information processing
Judgment
Male
Mathematical models
Mathematics
Mental Processes
Models, Psychological
Numbers (Numerals)
Numerosity Perception
Problem Solving
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Summary:We propose a two-process conceptualization of numerical information processing to describe how people form impressions of a score that is described along a bounded scale. According to the model, people spontaneously categorize a score as high or low. Furthermore, they compare the numerical discrepancy between the score and the endpoint of the scale to which it is closer, if they are not confident of their categorization, and use implications of this comparison as a basis for judgment. As a result, their evaluation of the score is less extreme when the range of numbers along the scale is large (e.g., from 0 to 100) than when it is small (from 0 to 10). Six experiments support this two-process model and demonstrate its generalizability. Specifically, the magnitude of numbers composing the scale has less impact on judgments (a) when the score being evaluated is extreme, (b) when individuals are unmotivated to engage in endpoint comparison processes (i.e., they are low in need for cognition), and (c) when they are unable to do so (i.e., they are under cognitive load). Moreover, the endpoint to which individuals compare the score can depend on their regulatory focus.
ISSN:0096-3445
1939-2222
DOI:10.1037/xge0000266