A Feedforward Interactive Network to Explain Complex Information Processing Phenomena Including the Halo Effect and Its Generalization

Abstract Parallel interactive processing (PIP) is a parallel distributed processing approach in which a representation of an object involves interaction of its components in a way that influences information processing of the components. Prior research is summarized in the areas of categorization and probability judgment. It was found that an explanation of the halo effect and its generalization as well as phenomena in other information processing situations could be explained by PIP. The explanation of the halo effect is largely in terms of reduction of variance in judgments of components of an object produced by a holistic impression of the object. There was a focus on processes common to various subject areas.