Question 1

A period of distraction that enables people to process complex information unconsciously can improve decision making. This best illustrates the value of

Accepted Answer

The question is asking about a process that improves decision making, and the answer is intuition. Intuition is a form of unconscious processing that can help people make complex decisions, especially when combined with information and experience. The period of distraction mentioned in the question could be a way of facilitating this intuitive process. Algorithms, critical periods, and trial and error are all useful in some contexts, but they are not specifically related to the benefits of unconscious processing.

Question 2

In Wolfgang Köhler's experiments, the chimpanzee Sultan used a short stick to retrieve a longer stick, which he then used to reach a piece of fruit. The chimpanzee appeared to display

Accepted Answer

The chimpanzee Sultan's use of the short stick to retrieve the longer stick, which he then used to reach a piece of fruit, demonstrated insight. This means that he was able to see the problem and come up with a solution without relying on trial and error or repetitive behavior.

Question 3

The risks of smoking are more alarming when presented in terms of the number of smokers with lung cancer than the percentage of smokers with lung cancer. This illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

This question refers to the concept of framing, which is how information is presented to influence how people perceive and respond to it. The statement implies that presenting the risk of smoking in terms of numbers (e.g. the number of smokers with lung cancer) rather than percentages is more effective in communicating the severity of the risk. This is an example of framing, as the way the information is presented influences how it is interpreted by the audience.

Question 4

Consumers respond more positively to ground beef advertised as "75 percent lean" than to ground beef described as "25 percent fat." This illustrates that consumer reactions are influenced by

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of framing, where the presentation of the information influences how the consumer perceives it. The use of "75 percent lean" presents the ground beef as healthier and more desirable than "25 percent fat," which emphasizes the negative aspect of the product.

Question 5

Heike's older brother has suffered from chronic depression for several years. Unfortunately, Heike has been incorrectly informed by her parents that there is a 40 percent chance she will also suffer from depression. Explain how the availability heuristic, framing, the confirmation bias, and belief perseverance might lead Heike to conclude that she will definitely be a victim of a severe depressive disorder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Heike's older brother has suffered from chronic...

Question 6

If a stranger looks like someone who previously harmed or threatened us in some way, we may-without consciously recalling the earlier experience-react warily. This illustrates that our reactions to others may be influenced by

Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question suggests that our reactions to others may be influenced by intuition- a quick and automatic form of thinking that is often based on past experiences or implicit biases. Critical periods refer to specific windows of time during development that are crucial for certain skills or abilities to develop, while algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems or making decisions. Overconfidence refers to a tendency to overestimate one's abilities or the accuracy of one's beliefs, which is not directly relevant to the situation described in the question.

Question 7

One group of chimpanzees slurp termites directly from a stick, another group picks them off the stick one by one. One group of chimpanzees breaks nuts with a stone hammer; another group does this with a wooden hammer. These group differences in food gathering practices best illustrate

Accepted Answer

The answer of One group of chimpanzees slurp termites directly...

Question 8

Forest-dwelling chimpanzees use a light, flexible stick for fishing for termites. This illustrates their naturally developed use of

Accepted Answer

The fact that chimpanzees use a stick as a tool for fishing for termites demonstrates their ability to use and manipulate objects in their environment for a specific purpose. This is a prime example of tool use in animals.

Question 9

Alex was an African Grey parrot who displayed

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alex was an African Grey parrot who...

Question 10

A $100 coat marked down from $150 can seem like a better deal than the same coat priced regularly at $100. This best illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

This situation involves framing, which is how information is presented or framed to influence people's judgments and decisions. The $100 coat marked down from $150 is framed as a better deal, even though it's the same price as the regular $100 coat. The framing of the sale price can influence people to see it as a better value, even though objectively it's not any cheaper.

Question 11

On Monday, the meteorologist forecast a 20 percent chance of rain, so Sheryl took her umbrella to work. On Friday, he reported an 80 percent chance that it would not rain, so Sheryl left her umbrella at home. Sheryl's behavior illustrates the effect of

Accepted Answer

Sheryl's behavior can be explained by framing, which is the way information is presented or framed can influence the decision making of an individual. The meteorologist presented the information as a percentage chance of rain or no rain, which framed Sheryl's decision to take or leave her umbrella.

Question 12

Chimpanzee B watches Chimpanzee A obtain food either by sliding or by lifting a door. Chimpanzee B will then typically do the same to get food. And so will Chimpanzee C after observing Chimpanzee B. This sequence has been said to illustrate

Accepted Answer

The sequence described in the question shows social learning or cultural transmission, where Chimpanzee B and Chimpanzee C imitate the behavior of Chimpanzee A to obtain food. This is a key aspect of cultural transmission, where individuals learn from each other within a group or community. The other options, such as concept formation, algorithm or outcome simulation, do not accurately describe the process depicted in the question.

Question 13

By learning to classify cats and dogs, monkeys demonstrate a capacity to form

Accepted Answer

By learning to classify cats and dogs, monkeys demonstrate the capacity to form concepts.

Question 14

Although Kaylee agreed with a particular politician's policies and position statements, her unconscious gut reaction to his slightly high-pitched voice led her to vote for the opposition candidate. This best illustrates the impact of

Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question involves Kaylee's unconscious gut reaction, which is a manifestation of intuition. Despite consciously agreeing with the policies and position statements of a particular politician, Kaylee's intuitive response to his high-pitched voice caused her to vote for the opposition candidate. This illustrates the impact of intuition on decision-making processes.

Question 15

Describe several heuristics that you might use or that you have used when deciding whether you should (a) study especially hard for a test and (b) ask someone for a date (or accept a date). Under what circumstances are these heuristics likely to contribute to poor decision making?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe several heuristics that you might use...

Question 16

You are the commissioner of a state lottery system that sponsors daily and weekly drawings. Lottery tickets have not been selling well over the past few months. Describe four ways you could take advantage of people's use of the availability heuristic to boost sales. Explain why you would judge your tactics to be fair or unfair to your customers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are the commissioner of a state...

Question 17

Although intuition can at times hinder rationality, it is often adaptive because it facilitates

Accepted Answer

Intuition can allow for quick decisions which can be important in certain situations where there isn't time for deeper analysis.

Question 18

People are less upset when they miss getting an early payment discount than when they are asked to bear a late payment surcharge. This best illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

This question is testing knowledge of the framing effect, which is the way in which information is presented can affect how people perceive it. In this case, the way in which the discount and surcharge are framed influences how people feel about them. The discount is framed as a positive (getting something extra), while the surcharge is framed as a negative (losing something). As a result, people are less upset about missing out on the positive frame than they are about being subject to the negative frame.

Question 19

People are very likely to decide to be organ donors when the default option on their renewable drivers' license forms is yes but they can choose to drop out. They are much less likely to decide to be organ donors if the default option on their license forms is no but they can choose to opt in. This best illustrates the effects of

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies the concept of framing, which refers to the way in which information is presented or framed to influence decision-making. In this case, the default option of being an organ donor is framed in two different ways, which has a significant impact on people's decisions.

Question 20

Master chess players can make correct game moves at such speed that their acquired expertise feels like

Accepted Answer

Master chess players' decision-making abilities are typically described as intuitive because their expertise has become so ingrained and automatic that they can make correct moves quickly without having to consciously analyze every possible move.

Quiz 27: Thinking