Conceptual versus perceptual information processing: Implications for subjective reporting.

Abstract

This article examines the psychological conundrum of the phenomenon known as “response shift” and its allied enigma, the placebo effect, using the theory of dual information processing systems (or “two selves” theory) in an attempt to understand their nature and cause. Plausible explanations come to light, and we find that an empirically testable method for the a priori prediction of clinical research subjects who are prone to the placebo effect or response shift appears when we apply dual information processing systems theory to those problems. This theory may well have significant implications for health care research within the areas of the placebo effect, response shift, patient-reported outcomes, and health utilities, as well as for whether the terms “quality of life” and “well-being” should be equally valued from a perceptual viewpoint as from a conceptual one. The use of both views would permit a greater understanding of the reliability and validity of assessments that rest on subjective valuations. Similarity to why regulators require the reporting of both spontaneous and solicited adverse drug events within clinical research studies is pointed out.