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Why do frequency formats improve Bayesian reasoning? Cognitive algorithms work on information, which needs representation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Gerd Gigerenzer
Affiliation:
Max Planck Institute for Psychological Research, 80802 Munich, Germany. giger@mpipf-muenchen.mpg.de

Abstract

In contrast to traditional research on base-rate neglect, an ecologically-oriented research program would analyze the correspondence between cognitive algorithms and the nature of information in the environment. Bayesian computations turn out to be simpler when information is represented in frequency formats as opposed to the probability formats used in previous research. Frequency formats often enable even uninstructed subjects to perform Bayesian reasoning.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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