Have you ever wondered why supernatural concepts are so memorable across different cultures? It turns out that these concepts share a common structure that goes against our intuitive understanding of the world. This phenomenon, known as the minimally counterintuitive (MCI) thesis, suggests that violations of intuitive assumptions actually make supernatural concepts more memorable than intuitive or maximally counterintuitive (MXCI) concepts. However, previous research had not fully explored the relationship between MCI concepts and bizarre (BIZ) concepts, which are not necessarily supernatural. Additionally, the role of inferential potential (IP) in the memorability of MCI concepts remained unclear. In a recent experiment, researchers directly compared the memorability of MCI, MXCI, and BIZ concepts while controlling for IP and bizarreness. Surprisingly, they found that when IP and bizarreness were taken into account, the memorability of counterintuitive and BIZ concepts was similar regardless of the number of characteristics. These findings suggest that the MCI and von Restorff (VR) effects may share the same underlying mechanisms. Want to dive deeper into this fascinating research? Check out the full article!
Abstract
The minimally counterintuitive (MCI) thesis in the cognitive science of religion proposes that supernatural concepts are prevalent across cultures because they possess a common structure—namely, violations of intuitive ontological assumptions that facilitate concept representation. These violations are hypothesized to give supernatural concepts a memorability advantage over both intuitive concepts and “maximally counterintuitive” (MXCI) concepts, which contain numerous ontological violations. However, the connection between MCI concepts and bizarre (BIZ) but not supernatural concepts, for which memorability advantages are predicted by the von Restorff (VR) effect, has been insufficiently clarified by earlier research. Additionally, the role of inferential potential (IP) in determining MCI concepts’ memorability has remained vague and only rarely controlled for. In a pre-registered experiment, we directly compare memorability for MCI and MXCI concepts, compared to BIZ concepts, while controlling for IP as well as degree of bizarreness. Results indicate that when IP and bizarreness are controlled for, memorability of counterintuitive and BIZ concepts—relative to intuitive control concepts—is similar across concepts with one, two, and three characteristics. Findings suggest that the MCI and VR effects may be manifestations of the same underlying mechanisms.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.