The Simplest Explanation of Dual Processing Theory | Dumbed Down

Summary

In this video, Tiger simplifies the concept of dual processing theory, explaining it as two fundamental ways the brain processes information: the unconscious (System 1) and conscious (System 2) systems. System 1 is fast, handling vast amounts of data, while System 2, though slower, is crucial for logical thinking and innovation. Tiger uses relatable examples like playing video games and learning to ride a bike to illustrate how these systems work and complement each other.

Takeaways

• 📚 Dual processing theory is a concept that describes two distinct ways the brain processes information.
• 🤔 'Dual' refers to the two systems involved in thinking, while 'processing' relates to how the brain handles information.
• 🧠 System one is the unconscious system, which processes information quickly and handles a vast amount of data.
• 🤓 System two is the conscious system, which is slower but more logical and rational.
• 🎮 An example of system one at work is playing video games, where initial conscious thought transitions into unconscious skill over time.
• 🚴‍♂️ Learning to ride a bike or skateboard initially requires conscious thought (system two), but eventually becomes an unconscious skill (system one).
• 🧐 System two is crucial for critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the invention of complex ideas and technologies.
• 🧬 While other animals may have elements of both systems, humans significantly outpace them in the use and capacity of system two.
• 👨‍🏫 The concept of dual processing theory has evolved over time, with心理学家William James being one of the early contributors.
• 🌟 Despite variations in the theories, there is a general consensus on the existence of two distinct processing systems in the brain.
• 🔍 The script encourages viewers to subscribe for more content and to share their thoughts on the dual processing theory.

Q & A

What is the main concept of dual processing theory?

Dual processing theory is the idea that there are two distinct ways of thinking or processing information in the human brain.

What are the two systems referred to as in dual processing theory?

In dual processing theory, the two systems are often referred to as System 1 and System 2. In the script, they are also described as the unconscious (System 1) and conscious (System 2) systems.

How does the unconscious system (System 1) process information?

The unconscious system processes information quickly and automatically, often without us being aware of it. It handles a vast amount of information and is responsible for split-second reactions and routine tasks.

What is an example given in the script to illustrate the unconscious system at work?

The script uses the example of playing a video game like FIFA for the first time. Initially, one must consciously think about the controls, but over time, the unconscious system takes over, and playing becomes second nature.

What is the role of the conscious system (System 2) in processing information?

The conscious system processes information more slowly and deliberately. It is responsible for logical, critical, and rational thinking.

Why is the conscious system important despite being slower?

The conscious system is important because it allows for logical and critical thinking, which has been crucial for human advancement, such as inventing, creating philosophical works, and logical reasoning.

Can you provide an example from the script where the conscious system learns something and then passes it to the unconscious system?

Yes, the script mentions learning to ride a bike or skateboard. Initially, one must consciously think about the mechanics, but after practice, the skill becomes automatic and is handled by the unconscious system.

Who is credited with the first scientific form of dual processing theory?

William James, a famous psychologist, is credited with introducing one of the first forms of dual processing theory.

How does the script suggest that dual processing theory has evolved over time?

The script indicates that while there are many different theories and versions of dual processing, there is a general agreement among scholars that there are two systems: an unconscious and a conscious system.

What does the script suggest about the uniqueness of human conscious thinking compared to other animals?

While other animals may also possess both systems, humans are unique in the extent to which they use the conscious system and the amount of information they can process through it.

What is the call to action at the end of the script for viewers?

The script encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel, turn on notifications, and comment with their thoughts on dual processing theory.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Introduction to Dual Processing Theory

Tiger introduces the concept of dual processing theory in a simplified manner, avoiding scientific jargon to make it accessible. He explains that 'dual' refers to anything related to two, and 'processing' pertains to how our brain deals with information. Tiger likens thinking to a journey that information takes. The theory posits two distinct ways of thinking: System One (unconscious) and System Two (conscious). System One is responsible for quick, automatic processes that we're not consciously aware of, while System Two is slower and more deliberate, dealing with logical and rational thinking. Tiger uses the example of learning to play FIFA on a new gaming console to illustrate how System One takes over from System Two as we become proficient.

05:02

🚴‍♂️ The Role of System Two in Learning and Evolution

The second paragraph delves into the importance of System Two, the conscious system, which is logical and underpins critical thinking and rationality. Tiger points out that while System One is faster and processes more information, System Two is crucial for human achievements like invention and philosophical thought. He gives the example of learning to ride a bike or skateboard, where initial conscious effort eventually becomes an unconscious skill. Tiger also discusses how some scholars initially believed only humans had both systems, but now it's clear that other animals also possess them, though humans use System Two more extensively. He concludes by emphasizing the necessity of both systems for our cognitive processes and invites viewers to subscribe for more content and share their thoughts on the theory.

Keywords

💡Dual Processing Theory

Dual Processing Theory is a psychological model that suggests the human brain processes information through two distinct systems. In the video, this theory is introduced as the central theme, explaining that these two systems are responsible for how we think and process information. The script simplifies the concept by referring to these systems as 'unconscious' (System 1) and 'conscious' (System 2).

💡Unconscious System (System 1)

The Unconscious System, or System 1, is characterized as fast, automatic, and efficient, handling a vast amount of information without our awareness. It is responsible for routine tasks and quick reactions. The video uses the example of playing video games, where initially, one must consciously think about the controls, but over time, the unconscious system takes over, making gameplay automatic.

💡Conscious System (System 2)

The Conscious System, or System 2, is slower, more deliberate, and logical. It is involved in complex decision-making and tasks that require focus and attention. The video explains that while this system does not process information as quickly or as abundantly as System 1, it is crucial for activities like critical thinking, logical reasoning, and invention.

💡Information Processing

Information Processing refers to the way our brain receives, interprets, and acts upon information. The video script likens this to a journey, emphasizing that every moment of our waking (and even sleeping) life involves thinking and processing information. This concept is fundamental to understanding the dual processing theory.

💡Logical Thinking

Logical Thinking is a cognitive process that uses reason and logic to solve problems or make decisions. The video highlights that logical thinking is a function of the conscious system and is crucial for human achievements in philosophy, science, and technology. It contrasts logical thinking with the more automatic processes of the unconscious system.

💡Rational Thinking

Rational Thinking is similar to logical thinking but emphasizes the use of reason to analyze and evaluate information. The video script suggests that rational thinking is a key function of the conscious system, which can sometimes take over tasks initially processed consciously and then pass them to the unconscious system for efficient execution.

💡William James

William James was a pioneering psychologist who introduced one of the earliest forms of dual processing theory. The video script mentions him as a historical figure in the development of the theory, indicating that the concept has evolved over time with various scholars contributing their own interpretations.

💡Philosophy

Philosophy is mentioned in the context of the contributions of the conscious system to human achievements. The video suggests that without the ability for rational and logical thinking, which is a hallmark of the conscious system, humans would not have been able to produce great works of philosophy.

💡Learning

Learning is a process that involves both systems of dual processing. The video uses the example of learning to ride a bike, where initially, one must consciously think about the mechanics, but eventually, this knowledge becomes unconscious and automatic. This illustrates how the conscious system can teach the unconscious system.

💡Controversy

Controversy in the video refers to the ongoing debates among scholars about the specifics of how the dual processing systems function. Despite these disagreements, there is a general consensus about the existence of two distinct processing systems in the brain, which is why the term 'dual processing theory' persists.

💡Human Uniqueness

Human Uniqueness is discussed in the context of the conscious system's role in human evolution and advancement. The video suggests that while other animals may also have dual processing systems, humans uniquely utilize the conscious system to an extent that has allowed for significant intellectual and cultural development.

Highlights

Introduction to dual processing theory without scientific jargon

Dual processing theory involves two ways of thinking

System one is the unconscious, fast, and processes more information

System two is the conscious, slower, and more logical

Example of system one: Learning to play FIFA without thinking about controls

Example of system two: Learning to ride a bike with conscious effort

System two can pass learned information to system one for long-term storage

Both systems are necessary and important for human cognition

Dual processing theories have evolved over time with different versions

William James introduced one of the first dual processing theories

Other animals also have dual processing systems, but humans use system two more

The video aims to provide simple and digestible content on complex theories

The channel will post more videos on various interesting topics

Invitation for viewers to subscribe for upcoming content

Encouragement for viewers to comment their thoughts on dual processing theory

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe and engage

Transcripts

hey how's it going guys it's tiger and

in this video i'm going to be breaking

down the concept

dual processing theory uh and i'm not

going to be

using any sort of scientific terminology

i really just want to make this as

simple and as easy to digest

as possible so let's get into it also if

you are new here

subscribe subscribe i'd really

appreciate it because i'm going to be

posting

a lot of uh other videos that aren't

even related to dual processing theory

that are just

interesting and they're more geared

towards entertainment so keep on look

out

for that

[Music]

so dual processing theory it's a

mouthful

we get that but what is the general idea

behind it

let's break it down so dual processing

theory i think a really good way to go

about this is to look at the actual

phrase so

when we're talking about dual what are

we talking about well

basically dual is just a fancy way of

saying anything related to two

so uh when we are talking about

dual we're talking about anything

related to

two but what about processing what does

that mean what are we talking about when

we're referring to processing

basically when we're talking about

processing we're talking about

how we process things how does our brain

process things

in other words how do we think

one way i also like to think about it is

like this right so

the term process actually comes from an

old french word

and that old french word meant journey i

like to think of

information going on a kind of journey

every single

time we think right in your every single

waking moment you are thinking even when

you're sleeping

your brain is active you are thinking

information is being processed

so in summary for the phrase dual

processing we're talking about

two ways of thinking that is it it's

literally that simple

there are essentially two different ways

of thinking

in the brain now that we got the

definition out of the way what are we

talking about

when we say there are two ways of

thinking basically the way

a lot of scientists like to think of it

is that hey there are two

fundamental systems in the brain system

one and

system two however in this video i'm

simply going to be referring to system

one as the unconscious

and system two as conscious when we talk

about system one when we talk about

the unconscious we are talking about a

very vast

route of information processing right so

kind of split second things that you

literally aren't even aware of

the unconscious system is fast and

instantaneous it's

also in charge of a lot more information

than system two

it's been estimated that system one

processes

about one hundred thousand times more

bits of information

than system two really quick

let's just go over a very simple and

easy to understand example of the

unconscious at work

so the playstation v and the xbox series

x just came out

i'm gonna use this as an example right

so when you first like think of the

first time that you got like a game

console like playstation or xbox for me

it was the xbox 360 even though now i

use the playstation 4.

when i first got the xbox 360 i played

fifa that was like the first game

right away i get this brand new

controller i literally don't know what a

is for i don't know what b is for c d

i don't understand the controls

whatsoever it's a new thing so i have to

consciously be like okay

this this is past this is shoot this is

cross this is

this is how i dribble the ball i have to

really actively think through my

conscious system

just so that i can get through the first

game but over time the unconscious

system system one takes takes over it's

like hey

don't worry i i i'll take care of things

so now if i go

right now even on xbox 360 xbox one xbox

series x and i play fifa

i don't have to consciously think oh

this is shoot this is b

this is pass this is um dribble

because the unconscious system has

already taken care of that

when you gain you don't even think about

using the joystick at all you just don't

you think about the experience that's in

front of you

because that to you is what's most

important okay so let's talk about

system two system two

is none other than the conscious system

the conscious way of thinking

the conscious way of processing

information and this

is not the dominant way of thinking

right the unconscious

form of thinking is considered the

dominant method of thinking

whereas the conscious system is kind of

um

not less important but less active in

terms of

processing information so then you're

probably just like okay so what so

what's the big deal and

why is there a conscious system why

would evolution

go out of its way to put in place

another form of thinking like another

way of processing information

and there's actually a very good reason

for this

and that is that well even though system

two

the conscious system processes

information a lot slower

it has the advantage in that it's very

logical

when we talk about things like critical

thinking

thinking rationally thinking logically

we're using

the conscious system um of our brain and

you can see in humans how much this has

benefited us throughout time

without that conscious system we would

not be able to invent so many things

and write so many great works of

philosophy of logical reasoning we just

would not be able to do that a lot of

things that make you

you are a result of that logical

form of thinking also another really

interesting thing is that sometimes

that rational way of thinking can say

hey

let me take care of this and then i'll

pass it on to the unconscious so what i

mean by that is this right

think about the first time you rode a

bike you were thinking very consciously

like this is how i have to do it or

maybe you just

you're learning how to skateboard for

the first time it's very hard you have

to logically think

of the mechanics of the technique of how

to ride your bike properly how to

skateboard properly right that's all

system two taking care of care of that

job right but over time

once that information is processed

enough once you start to learn

that this is how you ride a bike this is

how you skateboard

then the unconscious system takes over

that's really interesting because in

many ways the conscious system can say

hey

this is the information that's important

to me and this is the information that i

want stored in the future

okay i want to learn how to ride a bike

okay i'm consciously thinking about it

boo

whatever it takes practice boom

transfers to the unconscious system

and it's stored there almost permanently

right as you can tell it's very

deceiving to say

okay system one the unconscious system

is

more important than the conscious system

just because it processes more

information

right that is not a good argument both

of them

are necessary and important facets of

the way we think

all right i'm glad that we got all that

stuff out of the way

um now i'm gonna talk about a little

more um

fun facts about dual processing theory

okay so

when people say dual processing theory

it probably is more correct to say

dual processing theories because there's

a lot of different theories behind

the way we think right it's not a new

concept you could say

probably the the first really scientific

form of of dual processing theory was

introduced by

a man by the name of william james who's

a very famous

psychologist however over time a lot of

people kind of have their own

versions of this dual processing theory

at the end of the day even though right

now there are a lot of scholars that are

arguing okay this is

no this is how system one works this is

how system two works this is how system

one works this is how system two works

it still appears to be the case that

everybody kind of agrees hey

there it's two systems there's an

unconscious system and there's a

conscious system

so that's why we kind of stuck with that

dual processing title

despite all the controversy and

disagreements

on the actual mechanisms behind it

another really interesting thing is that

you know a lot of scholars

at first were just like okay only humans

have both systems

only only humans have the conscious

system of thought we now know that

that's not the case however

it does appear to be true that humans in

terms of how much they use

system two and how much information they

are able to process

through system two um the conscious

system far exceeds the amount of

any other animal on this planet anyway

guys that's going to wrap it up for this

video i really hoped you liked it

and please just subscribe subscribe to

the channel i'm gonna be posting some

cool content really good content

hopefully hopefully you think that

in the meantime yeah just hit

notification subscribe

and most importantly comment down below

because i want to hear what your

thoughts

are on dual processing theory not

exactly the most interesting thing in

the world to most people but

nonetheless give me your give me your

thoughts but yeah guys that's gonna wrap

it up for this video and please

as always take care

[Music]

you