Conflict Between System 1 and System 2
A classic experiment illustrating conflict between automatic (System 1) and controlled (System 2) processes, where automatic responses interfere with intended tasks, and System 2 exerts self-control to override them.
THE IDEA
CONFLICT
Figure 2, which is not included here, presents a variant of a classic experiment involving conflict between automatic reading and an instructed task.
The experiment involves two tasks: identifying upper-/lowercase and naming the position of words (left/right). The left column of words is easy for one task and the right column is easy for the other, but the opposite columns cause conflict because they contain words that trigger automatic reading responses, which interfere with the intended task.
These tasks engage System 2 because saying “upper/lower” or “right/left” is not routine. You program your memory to have the relevant words on the tip of your tongue, but when the column contains words you are set for, you cannot ignore them. You experience a conflict between an intended task and an automatic response.
Conflict between an automatic reaction and an intention to control it is common: trying not to stare at an oddly dressed couple, forcing attention on a boring book, steering into a skid on ice, or restraining anger. System 2’s job is to overcome System 1’s impulses—it is in charge of self-control.
When to use it
Managing impulsive reactions during tense negotiations or arguments.
Sticking to a diet or exercise plan when tempted by immediate gratification.
Focusing on complex tasks despite distractions from notifications or background noise.
Practicing situation-specific responses with appropriate driving instruction so that panic does not determine the response.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Stroop-like Task with Words
The task is to identify upper- versus lowercase, or to name a word’s left/right position, while ignoring its meaning. Which column interferes depends on the instructed task. The figure needed to perform the exercise is absent.
Ignoring a Distracting Couple
Trying not to stare at an oddly dressed couple in a restaurant—an automatic urge to look conflicts with the social intention to avoid staring.
Forcing Attention on a Boring Book
Attempting to focus on a tedious book while the mind repeatedly wanders back to the point where reading lost its meaning.
Driving on Ice
A driving situation can require a practiced response that differs from an immediate impulse. In Kahneman’s terms, System 2 can help control the response. This does not supply instructions for handling every kind of skid.
Restraining Anger
The experience of not telling someone to go to hell—suppressing an automatic angry outburst through self-control.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When have you experienced a conflict between an automatic reaction and your intention to control it? How did you resolve it?
Using Kahneman’s terms, what practice could help System 2 manage a conflicting System 1 impulse?
What strategies help you maintain self-control when automatic impulses arise, like resisting the urge to check your phone during work?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman)