Cognitive reflection is a distinct and measurable trait

Andrew Meyer*, Yigal Attali, Maya Bar-Hillel, Shane Frederick, Daniel Kahneman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We report the findings of an adversarial collaboration examining whether the cognitive reflection test (CRT) measures anything beyond mathematical aptitude and, if so, whether its incremental predictive validity can be attributed to reflection, per se. We found that an 8-item CRT has greater predictive validity than an 8-item Mathematical Aptitude Test (MAT) consisting of comparably difficult items which lack dominant intuitive lures. Further, the incremental predictive validity stems from the CRT's measurement of reflection, which we show using both structural equation models and a dual-response paradigm that helps distinguish susceptibility to intuitions from inadequate mathematical aptitude.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2409191121
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume121
Issue number49
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 the Author(s).

Keywords

  • cognitive reflection
  • dual-system theory
  • individual differences

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