Less cognitive conflict does not imply choice of the default option: Commentary on Kieslich and Hilbig (2014)

Citation

Myrseth KOR & Wollbrant C (2015) Less cognitive conflict does not imply choice of the default option: Commentary on Kieslich and Hilbig (2014). Commentary on: Kieslich, P. J., & Hilbig, B. E. (2014). Cognitive conflict in social dilemmas: An analysis of response dynamics. Judgment and Decision Making, 9(6), 510–522.. Judgment and Decision Making, 10 (3), pp. 277-279. http://journal.sjdm.org/14/141214/jdm141214.pdf

Abstract
Kieslich and Hilbig (2014) employ a mouse-tracking technique to measure decision conflict in social dilemmas. They report that defectors exhibit more conflict than do cooperators. They infer that cooperation thus is the reflexive, default behavior. We argue, however, that their analysis fails to discriminate between reflexive versus cognitively controlled behavioral responses. This is because cognitive conflict can emanate from resisting impulse successfully—or unsuccessfully.

Keywords
social dilemma; cooperation; intuition; cognitive conflict; self-control

Journal
Judgment and Decision Making: Volume 10, Issue 3