The Conceptual Connection between Lens Models and Fast and Frugal Heuristics

Abstract

I explore the conceptual connection between two judgment- and decision-making research programs: social judgment theory and fast and frugal heuristics. I point out that a main difference is in the modeling of the cues-to-criterion function that describes the organism (lens in Brunswikian jargon). Social judgment theorists typically use linear models while the fast and frugal program employs heuristics. I ask two questions: Can fast and frugal heuristics play the role of lenses? Which lens can model fast and frugal heuristics? I synthesize previous work and extend it with new analyses that focus on processes. First, I argue that fast and frugal heuristics can play the role of lenses because they can model the process of successful vicarious functioning. Second, I argue that a compensatory lens should be used for modeling the outcomes of heuristics and that a noncompensatory lens is more appropriate for modeling the cognitive processes postulated by heuristics.