What is defined as unconscious, unintentional, involuntary, and effortless thinking?

Automatic thinking refers to the processes in which thoughts occur without conscious effort or control. This type of thinking is characterized by its unconscious nature and the ability to happen quickly and spontaneously. Individuals engage in automatic thinking during everyday situations, such as when they form quick judgments or recall memories without actively trying to do so. This contrasts with deliberate thinking, which involves conscious, intentional effort to solve problems or analyze situations.

In social psychology, automatic thinking plays a crucial role in how people interpret and respond to their environments. For instance, when encountering a social situation, a person might rely on automatic thinking to assess social cues and form impressions based on past experiences or stereotypes, all occurring without the individual being fully aware of these processes. By understanding automatic thinking, researchers can better investigate the nuances of human behavior and cognition in various contexts.