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2w ago

Researchers Define 'Doubling-Back Aversion' and Call for Further Study

Although the bias has been validated in four experiments, its real-world relevance remains unknown pending further mechanistic studies.

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Overview

  • Doubling-back aversion describes a reluctance to choose an easier or faster route when it requires retracing prior steps.
  • Researchers tested the effect across four studies with 2,524 participants drawn from undergraduates and online workers, using virtual-reality navigation and cognitive word-switching tasks.
  • Participants’ fear of losing progress and the perceived extra workload from restarting were identified as primary drivers of the bias.
  • Lab framing dramatically influenced behavior: only 25% of participants switched to an easier task when it was labeled 'doubling back' versus 75% under a neutral description.
  • Authors urge broader replication with diverse samples and deeper investigation of underlying mechanisms before recommending practical applications.