Fundamentals of information technology

¶ … Information Technology

Empirical research can be generally influenced by two cognitive processes: one that is based on intuition and one that is based on in-depth analysis. People normally tend to employ an intuitive approach when first presented with a number of facts meant to be analyzed. Intuition can be unfavorable when considering programming and object oriented design. Software engineers are typically expected to use analytical thinking in developing programs. Even with that, they are also vulnerable and can fall victim to intuition, which causes them to commit errors.

The Dual Process Theory promotes the concept that people think and act on account of two models. System 1 (S1) is based on intuitive behavior and System 2 (S2) is based on methodical behavior. Software developers are familiar with encountering difficulties in their work; hence they should attempt to put more thought into matters that are treated superficially by normal people. However, this is not necessarily true, since they are also human and make use of both S1 and S2 in their behavior.

When being presented with surface information regarding a problem, most individuals tend to behave spontaneously at their first attempt to resolve the condition. Even in the cases when people are train to deal effectively with problems; they are predisposed to using intuition, since it can provide the right answer to a problem and concomitantly take less of their time and resources. Problems that initially appear to be extremely simple can require more analysis than some might think.

An individual who is experienced in programming can yield to intuitive thinking, given that he or she can be influenced by the factors he or she comes across. Depending on their experience or on their character people can yield slower or faster, with some being reluctant to accept S1 as their guiding principle while others immediately giving way to the option they consider to be the easiest. Even when they are presented with more information related to their condition, people who embrace the S1 model can refuse to change their option.

In certain circumstances, individuals who apparently employ analytical thinking are actually using intuition. It seems that they are using investigative judgment because they are aware that surface data should not be accepted without comprehensive examination. In this situation, intuition can be practical, since it assists the individual in devising methods of solving the dilemma.