Searching for the Majority: Algorithms of Voluntary Control
Author Information
Author(s): Fan Jin, Guise Kevin G., Liu Xun, Wang Hongbin
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What algorithms do participants use to control information processing when identifying the majority direction of arrows?
Conclusion
Participants use a grouping search algorithm to identify the majority direction of arrows more efficiently than other algorithms.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants' reaction times varied significantly with different set sizes of arrows.
- The grouping search algorithm better predicted reaction times than self-terminating search.
- Participants reported using a grouping strategy to identify the majority direction of arrows.
Takeaway
This study shows that when people look at a group of arrows, they can quickly figure out which way most of them are pointing by grouping them together.
Methodology
Participants completed a majority function task where they identified the majority direction of arrows presented in varying set sizes.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported strategies used by participants.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize to other types of decision-making tasks outside the majority function context.
Participant Demographics
24 adult volunteers (13 females, 11 males; mean age 25.9 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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