Higher-order processing and change-to-automaticity as explanations of the item-position effect in reasoning tests

Abstract

Higher-order processing and learning are two alternative explanations of the item-position effect. Whereas higher-order processing as explanation emphasizes the recruitment of executive processes, learning as explanation highlights the improvement in performance due to repetition and is specified as change-to-automaticity. In a sample of 287 participants the item-position effect was captured by means of Advanced Progressive Matrices. Higher-order processing was inferred from rule acquisition, and change-to-automaticity was derived from sustained attention data. The results of independent investigations revealed that both higher-order processing and change-to-automaticity contributed to the occurrence of the item-position effect.

Keywords: Fluid reasoning; Higher-order processing; Item-position effect; Learning.