Two rationales for common sense

Illustration:
Illustration: Ben
Igor Sanders
Kisselev
 UNIT 2
PERSON PERCEPTION

Illustration: Ben Sanders Illustration: Igor Kisselev

Illustration: Chris Madden Illustration: Ben Sanders

 UNIT 2
PERSON PERCEPTION

Illustration: Ben Sanders Illustration: Igor Kisselev

Illustration: Chris Madden Illustration: Ben Sanders

 ONE MAN, TWO THEORIES

Harold H. Kelley authored two well-

known theories of causal attribution –
covariation theory or ANOVA model,
and configuration theory or causal
schemata model.
Both theories are quite representative
of two different approaches to human
rationality.
1 The naïve scientist rationale
The ANOVA model or covariation theory

2 The cognitive miser rationale

The causal schemata model or configuration theory
1 The naïve scientist
rationale

Illustration:
Illustration: Ben
Illustration: CSA Images/ModArt Sanders
Collection
Igor Kisselev
 Three typical attributional patterns
information to attend

Low High Low

Three kinds of

Low High High

High High Low
 Heartbeat

A B C
Spring 43, 48, 52, 32 76, 78, 73, 76 62, 62, 56, 57

Summer 52, 62, 63, 68 84, 78, 87, 92 71, 73, 75, 80

Autumn 38, 36, 41, 30 68, 70, 67, 67 48, 51, 43, 53

Winter 50, 60, 53, 67 80, 81, 83, 79 76, 80, 81, 75
THE NAÏVE SCIENTIST RATIONALE

The ANOVA model argues that common sense

rationale is essentially equivalent to scientific
rationale.
It conveys an image of human reasoning as
quite objective and systematic.
Illustration: Alex Eben Meyer
The anova model in a tweet
Fill in here
2

The cognitive miser

rationale
Illustration:
Illustration: John
Illustration: Ben Holcroft
Igor Sanders
Kisselev
 CAUSAL
SCHEMATA
We all have causal schemata –i.e., pre-conceptions about
how factors combine to produce certain effects.
We apply them when we lack systematic information or when
accounting for single events.
TWO IMPORTANT CAUSAL SCHEMATA
 LINKING SCHEMATA TO TYPES OF EVENTS

Passing a really easy exam Failing a really easy exam

DISCOUNTING CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
DISCOUNTING CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
THE COGNITIVE MISER RATIONALE

Causal schemata model argues that common

sense takes frequent shortcuts and jumps to
conclusions with insufficient evidence.
It conveys an image of human reasoning as
limited in resources, aiming to save as much
cognitive effort as possible.
Illustration: Iker Ayestaran
The causal schemata model in a tweet
Fill in here