The Duplex Mind

1.

Running Head: Duplex Mind

Understanding the Duplex Mind

Heather Castro

Capella University

July 2010

2.

Abstract

The duplex mind or dual processing theory suggests that the human mind has two main

systems. The automatic system is part of the mind outside of consciousness that performs

simple operations. The conscious system is part of the mind that performs complex

operations. Both automatic and conscious systems work together to make conscious

thought possible.

Table of contents

A. Automatic and Conscious Systems B. Duplex Mind and Social Influence C. Conclusion D. Reference page

3.

Running Head: Automatic and Conscious Systems

Heather Castro

Capella University

A.

The duplex mind operates from the automatic system and the conscious system.

The automatic system handles simple tasks such as interpreting, organizing and

characterizing thoughts that come through your mind (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008, pg.

54). The automatic system can act quickly and be uncontrollable. The automatic system

continues to operate during sleep which can cause a response to stimuli if needed

(Oswald, Taylor & Treisman, 1960). The conscious system is responsible for performing

complex operations. In other words, a person can combine information and make a

decision or conclusion from the information because the conscious system is responsible

for reasoning. The conscious system has more downsides as compared to the automatic

system. The automatic system is larger as compared to the conscious system. This means

that the automatic system is always turned on and working. Consciousness is slow and

capacity limited as compared to the automatic system, which is fast and can do many

things at once ( Frankish, 2004). The duplex mind requires both systems to function.

Therefore, automatic and conscious systems work together to make conscious thought

possible.

4.

Running Head: Duplex Mind and Social Influence

Heather Castro

Capella University

B.

Have you ever wondered what causes you to react or think the way you do in certain

situations? The duplex mind is responsible for the reactions, thoughts and responses that

you perform. Social influence can be attributed to how you think of yourself. People can

be encouraged or motivated to engage in systematic thought so they can fulfill a certain

level of confidence (Smith & Petty, 1996). Social influence can also cause rejection to an

influence (Pfau, 1997). A person’s social perception, interaction and influence dictate the

decisions and feelings that come and go in different situations. People have impulses that

tell them to act out by the way of the automatic system; however, the conscious system

can step in and restrain the proposed action (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008, pg. 59). The

restrained action can save a person a feeling of guilt or immorality. People are seen

everyday using their duplex mind whether it be at home, work, school or church.They use

it to make simple decisions such as walking, eating, drinking, yelling or laughing or to

make bigger decisions such as saving money for a car, having surgery or taking a

vacation. Without the ability of the duplex mind a person would be senseless and unable

to make decisions. 5.

Running Head: Conclusion

Heather Castro

Capella University

C.

The automatic and conscious system controls the processing of the duplex mind

(Buameister & Bushman, 2008 pg. 55). The automatic system is short and quick which

enables a person to make a fast decision but can also act on impulse. The conscious

system is slower and enables a person to think a situation through before making a

decision. The conscious system also controls a person not to act on impulse. Both

systems work continually to process information. The dual processing system or duplex

mind is used everyday in the home, workplace, school, church, etc. The duplex mind

requires both systems to process information. Therefore, the automatic and conscious

systems work together to make conscious thought possible.

6.

Reference:

Frankish K. 2004. Mind and super mind. Cambridge: Cambridge University http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/12030/frontmatter/9780521812030_frontmatter.pdf

Smith SM, Petty RE. 1996. Message framing and persuasion: a message processing analysis.
Pers. Soc. Psychol. Bull. 22:257–68

Baumeister, R & Bushman, B. (2008). Social Psychology and Human Nature. Belmont, CA. Thomas Wadsworth pg. 54, 55, 59