When someone undergoes chemotherapy and his or her cancer goes into remission, some individuals in that person's life will believe the remission is an answer to their prayers, whereas others will believe the remission is a natural response to the chemotherapy. Which of the following factors might account for this difference in beliefs about cancer remission?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perceptual set, which refers to a tendency to perceive or notice some aspects of the available sensory data and ignore others, can explain why individuals interpret the cause of cancer remission differently. This is influenced by expectations, beliefs, emotions, and other mental states, leading some to attribute the remission to divine intervention and others to medical treatment.

When Someone Undergoes Chemotherapy and His or Her Cancer Goes