Exploring the Relationship Between a Cognitive Reflection Test and the Psychology as a Science Scale

Abstract

Although the field of psychology was not originally approached systematically, the scientific method is now applied in order to evaluate psychological theories. To further the body of knowledge concerning the public perception of psychology as a science, community college students were recruited for the Psi Beta National Research Project questionnaire that included the Psychology as a Science Scale (PAS) and the Cognitive Reflection Test 2 (CRT-2). Participants received the CRT-2 at either the beginning or midway through the questionnaire, depending on the last digit of the participant’s phone number. The prediction that individuals who received the CRT-2 earlier would score differently on the PAS than those who received it later was not supported. Additionally, the prediction that individuals who are more analytical would score higher on the PAS Scale was supported. The aim of this study was to offer supporting data to further the understanding of the influences of cognitive reflection and public perception of psychology as a science. Implications of these findings may include the recognition of the role cognitive reflection may play in decision-making and provide supporting evidence of the potential for correcting detrimental misconceptions of psychology as a science. Suggestions for future directions include focusing on the relationship between CRT-2 and PAS scores and having more than three CRT-like questions to allow for a more sensitive measure of analytical and intuitive responses.