Final answer:
Controlled thinking involves a deliberate, conscious, and effortful cognitive process which is essential for complex problem solving and critical reflection, as opposed to automatic thinking which is quick and unconscious.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the dual processing capacity of human beings, unlike automatic thinking, controlled thinking is effortful, reflective, and requires conscious attention. Controlled thinking engages our cognitive resources when we encounter new, unfamiliar, or complex problems, such as navigating a new city or comparing different policy proposals. It contrasts starkly with intuitive or automatic thinking, which is quick, unconscious, and executed without deliberate effort. This effortful process is essential for activities that involve critical reflection and metacognition, where we think about our own thinking to ensure logical and rational outcomes.
Our brains are wired to conserve energy by relying on habitual and automatic processes for routine activities, thus freeing up cognitive resources for more demanding tasks. Humans often default to automatic thinking due to its efficiency and lower energy requirements. However, automatic thinking can lead to biases and errors, emphasizing the importance of controlled, rational thinking in certain contexts. For example, multiplying two-digit numbers requires controlled thinking, whereas recognizing facial expressions relies on automatic processes.
While both types of thinking are essential in our daily lives, striking a balance between the efficiency of automatic processes and the accuracy of controlled thought is crucial for optimal decision-making. Understanding the dual processing capacity aids in recognizing when we may be prone to cognitive biases and emphasizes the value of slowing down our thinking processes in critical situations.