Are Decisions of Image Trustworthiness Contextual? A Pilot Study

Abstract

This article documents an empirical pilot study conducted to determine whether decisions of image trustworthiness are contextual. Contextuality is an active area of investigation in quantum cognition, however there has been little compelling evidence of its presence in human information processing. A Bell scenario experimental design was employed which manipulated both content and representational features in order to minimize the difference in marginal probabilities across experimental conditions. In addition, participants were subjected to time pressure in order to promote more spontaneous decisions. Results revealed no significant differences in marginal probabilities, however, no evidence of contextuality was found. The study revealed a tension between the requirement for minimizing the difference in marginal probabilities and the need to produce the strong correlations required to empirically ascertain contextuality.