Abstract
Research suggests that a jumping-to-conclusions (JTC) bias, excessive intuition, and reduced analysis in information processing may favor suboptimal decision-making, both in non-clinical and mentally disordered individuals. The temporal relationship between processing modes and JTC bias, however, remains unexplored. Therefore, using an experience sampling methodology (ESM) approach, this study examines the temporal associations between intuitive/analytical information processing, JTC bias, and delusions in non-clinical individuals and patients with schizophrenia. Specifically, we examine whether a high use of intuitive and/or a low use of analytical processing predicts subsequent JTC bias and paranoid conviction. In a smartphone-based ESM study, participants will be prompted four times per day over three consecutive days to answer questionnaires designed to measure JTC bias, paranoid conviction, and preceding everyday-life intuition/analysis. Our hierarchical data will be analyzed using multilevel modelling for hypothesis testing. Results will further elucidate the role of aberrant human reasoning, particularly intuition, in (non-)clinical delusions and delusion-like experiences, and also inform general information processing models.
Highlights
Imagine Paula and Tom sitting together and planning their holiday destination
Addressing these research questions, we hypothesize that a prior high use of intuitive processing predicts subsequent JTC bias in patients with a schizophrenia disorder and in non-clinical individuals (Hypothesis 1)
Aiming to replicate previous study results on delusion-related analytical reasoning [49] on a state level, we expect that a prior low use of analytical processing predicts subsequent JTC bias in patients with a schizophrenia disorder and in non-clinical individuals (Hypothesis 2)
Summary
Imagine Paula and Tom sitting together and planning their holiday destination. Whereas Paula is comparing weather conditions, cultural offers, hotel prices and the like of different resorts, Tom goes with his gut feeling and chooses the destination that spontaneously feels best for him. Addressing these research questions, we hypothesize that a prior high use of intuitive processing predicts subsequent JTC bias in patients with a schizophrenia disorder and in non-clinical individuals (Hypothesis 1). Aiming to replicate previous study results on delusion-related analytical reasoning [49] on a state level, we expect that a prior low use of analytical processing predicts subsequent JTC bias in patients with a schizophrenia disorder and in non-clinical individuals (Hypothesis 2). Outcome scenario 4: If a high use of intuitive processing does not predict JTC bias in patients with schizophrenia (i.e., p value < .05) and equivalence tests yield effects that are not significantly equivalent (i.e., undetermined effect), we interpret this as the expected effect which we considered worthwhile being possibly present but statistically not detectable due to our study design (e.g., lack of statistical power). General information-processing models (e.g., [2]) will be informed by our results
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