Explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 reasoning, and whether they cooperate or contradict each other.

Type 1 reasoning is automatic, reflexive, emotional, habitual, low effort and low capacity. It is also quicker and sometimes called the "old mind". Type 2 reasoning is effortful, reflective, cognitive, goal-directed, high capacity. It is slower than Type 1 and called the "new mind".

Often type 1 puts forward a response and type 2 reasoning overrides it completely. However, type 1 can also provide a range from which type 2 reasoning picks the (correct) answer. The answer: it can be both.

MV
Answered by Merle V. Psychology tutor

14855 Views

See similar Psychology GCSE tutors

Related Psychology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are dependent, independent, and extraneous (confounding) variables?


How To Outline and Evaluate One Biological Therapy for Schizophrenia (12 marks).


Can psychologists read minds?


How to design an experiment for an exam question?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning