Kahneman's dual-system thinking
Abstract
According to the Nobel-prize winner in Economics and author of the book Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, there is a model of human thinking, which consists of two separate thinking systems. The first system (System 1) can be described as instinctive, effortless and fast in contrast with the second one (System 2) which is more tedious, slow and related to analytic type of thinking. Dual -system or dual-process theory often links design thinking to the model of human thinking from cognitive psychology.
Both systems are connected to each other and, simultaneously, are in conflict. For instance, when a human is awake, both systems are active. Most of the times, System 1 acts more automatically and generates situations for the second system such as impressions, feelings etc. [1]. System 2 is referred to low-effort situations and the outcomes, when System 1 interferes, can be translated as beliefs or specific actions. System 1 is often connected to human’s daily behavior while System 2 normally is in charge of the final decisions.
Dual-system theory consists of numerous daily-life examples, which depict the common beliefs of humans as rational beings that are able of taking decisions analytically and impartially [2]. A project is characterized by complex problems that need to be solved by applying thinking systems.
The main objective of this article is the application of the two-system thinking theory in decision-making, especially in the field of Project Management. By comprehending the engagement between the psychological part of thinking – systems and the multi – tasking parts of a project, the decisions that concerns cost, management or programming can be much easier and applicable.
