Is intuition allied with jumping to conclusions in decision-making? An intensive longitudinal study in patients with delusions and in non-clinical individuals

PLoS One. 2021 Dec 20;16(12):e0261296. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261296. eCollection 2021.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / physiopathology*
  • Decision Making*
  • Delusions / physiopathology*
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intuition / physiology*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF (Ambizione Fellowship no. 179897 awarded to Dr. Thea Zander-Schellenberg). The funders have no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.