Ex ante coherence shifts. (15th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simon, Dan; Holyoak, Keith J.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 43(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-15
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X19002103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Cushman characterizes rationalization as the inverse of rational reasoning, but this distinction is psychologically questionable. Coherence-based reasoning highlights a subtler form of bidirectionality: By distorting task attributes to make one course of action appear superior to its rivals, a patina of rationality is bestowed on the choice. This mechanism drives choice and action, rather than just following in their wake.