Exploring the Neural Basis of fast logic
Abstract
Dual-process theories characterize thinking as an interaction between intuitive and deliberate thought processes. For instance, logical reasoning is assumed to require effortful deliberate thinking. However, recent findings obtained with new behavioral paradigms have questioned this assumption. A key observation is that people can process logical principles intuitively without deliberation. Still, the nature of this newly discovered fast logical reasoning is not clear. For instance, its neural basis has not been explored. To address this shortcoming, we'll compare fast and slow trials to investigate whether intuitive and deliberate processes recruit different brain areas.
Participants solved conflict and no-conflict variants of the bat-and-ball problem while in an fMRI. A short training intervention mid-study also explained the correct solution strategy to participants.
Our main goal is to identify the unique neural basis of correct intuitive reasoning for the first time. To do so, we'll contrast brain activations in fast and slow trials for correct and incorrect conflict responses. We'll also explore differences between pre- and post-training blocks.