Who [Did] What Where, When, Why, and How: My Gist of Fuzzy Trace Theory

• Published in: Journal of applied research in memory and cognition Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 510 - 511
• Main Author: Fischhoff, Baruch
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washigton Elsevier Science 01.12.2021; Elsevier Inc; Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
• Subjects: COVID-19; Decision Making; Decision Theory; Expectations; Fuzzy Set Theory; Immunization; Risk Taking; Vaccination Attitudes
• ISSN: 2211-3681; 2211-369X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2021.09.001

Comments on an article by Valerie F. Reyna et al. (see record 2022-15515-001). The diverse applications of fuzzy trace theory demonstrate the power of the approach and the virtuosity of its practitioners. As Reyna et al. note, expectancy-value theories address some elements of fuzzy trace theory, making expectancy-value results potentially useful. However, fuzzy trace applications also require knowledge of other areas of psychology (e.g., self-control, stigma, identity) and the subject matter (e.g., pandemic disease, addiction, concussions). As a result, these applications provide unique opportunities for intra- and interdisciplinary collaboration. These applications require the wisdom needed to use existing research, without making claims beyond what the evidence can support. As a result, fuzzy trace researchers typically avoid sweeping generalizations about what (all) people are like or what (all) people do. Recognizing the diversity of decisions and decision makers, these researchers make conditional assessments of human capability. The success of any design process depends on the skill of the designers. Fuzzy trace interventions succeed by attracting researchers who believe that collaboration with other disciplines can enrich their own and who are more committed to problems than to disciplines. Fuzzy trace research is also faithful to the people being studied. It recognizes the complexity and diversity of their aspirations and circumstances. It listens to them when creating its interventions and research instruments. It evaluates their performance relative to the demands of the decisions that they face. It disciplines its speculations with evidence. Its studies find, rather than show, behavior patterns. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)