Controlled Responding vs. Automatic Responding

We have two different ways of processing information and making decisions:

1. Automatic Responding: This is our default mode. We use Judgmental Heuristics and Fixed-Action Patterns Trigger Automatic Responses to make quick decisions without much thought. This is efficient but can lead to errors. This is also known as "click, whirr" responding.

2. Controlled Responding: This is a more deliberate and analytical way of thinking. We engage in controlled responding when we have both the desire and the ability to analyze information carefully. This is more accurate but also more time-consuming and mentally taxing.

We are more likely to use controlled responding when an issue is personally important to us. However, the complexities of modern life, such as time pressure, distractions, and stress, can force us to rely on automatic responding even for important decisions.