The relative success of recognition-based inference in multichoice decisions

McCloy, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2333-9640, Beaman, C. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5124-242X and Smith, P. T. (2008) The relative success of recognition-based inference in multichoice decisions. Cognitive Science, 32 (6). pp. 1037-1048. ISSN 0364-0213 doi: 10.1080/03640210802152319

Abstract/Summary

The utility of an "ecologically rational" recognition-based decision rule in multichoice decision problems is analyzed, varying the type of judgment required (greater or lesser). The maximum size and range of a counterintuitive advantage associated with recognition-based judgment (the "less-is-more effect") is identified for a range of cue validity values. Greater ranges of the less-is-more effect occur when participants are asked which is the greatest of to choices (m > 2) than which is the least. Less-is-more effects also have greater range for larger values of in. This implies that the classic two-altemative forced choice task, as studied by Goldstein and Gigerenzer (2002), may not be the most appropriate test case for less-is-more effects.