Which is not a characteristic of controlled processing?

Controlled processing is characterized by being slow and deliberate, requiring more cognitive resources compared to automatic processing, which happens quickly and often subconsciously. The essence of controlled processing lies in the conscious allocation of attention to tasks, allowing for critical thinking and complex reasoning.

The correct response indicates that it is typically fast and subconscious, which actually describes automatic processing. Controlled processing, on the other hand, is marked by a thoughtful and methodical approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the need for mental effort and awareness in engaging with the task at hand. This distinction helps illustrate why the option highlighting fast and subconscious characteristics does not align with the defining traits of controlled processing.