"Old Wine in a New Bottle": Are Different Terminologies on Dual Processing Conceptually the Same?

OBJECTIVES

Dual processing theory is among the most influential theories in cognitive psychology. It distinguishes two kinds of human thinking: one that is fast, intuitive, and effortless; and the other that is slow, deliberate, and effortful. Interestingly, these two types of human thinking have been described using many different terms by various researchers. How similar or different are these terms and related constructs?

METHODS

We analyzed the dual-processing literature, conducted a thought experiment, and analyses using the machine learning model BERT (SCEPTER) to compare the similarity and difference between the terms and constructs.

RESULTS

Findings show that, though these terms are lexically different, what researchers describe is, at the core, very similar. The various terms are 'old wine in a new bottle.'

CONCLUSIONS

We provide possible reasons for this coinage of terminology and present a rationale for careful deliberation before introducing new terms.