Rational Choice Theory, the Model of Frame Selection and Other Dual-Process Theories. A Critical Comparison

Abstract

Dual-process theories explain behavior as well as cognitive processes. They thus compete with other theories which explain, at least in part, the same phenomena. The question then is how the theories differ and which theory is to be preferred. This article focuses on the comparison of two dual-process theories with a wide version of rational choice theory. The dual-process theories are the MODE model and the model of frame selection. The wide version of rational choice theory assumes, among other things, that all kinds of motives must be considered when a behavior is explained, that beliefs matter and that individuals do what they think is best for them (subjective utility maximization). One major result of the analyses is that basic assumptions of dual-process theories in general and the two dualprocess theories discussed, namely the MODE model and the model of frame selection, do not contradict RCT but complement it.