Thomas T. Jones, a hospital administrator, has heard a lot about gay men getting HIV and AIDS. He has watched male patients at his hospital admitted for AIDS. He thinks all of the men look like homosexuals as well as almost all their male visitors. In actuality, 60 percent of the HIV positive male patients were heterosexual and 80 percent of their visitors were neighbors, co-workers, or immediate family members. He most clearly made which type of error?
A) disinterestedness
B) premature closure
C) overgeneralization
D) selective observation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thomas T. Jones made a selective observation error by focusing only on the patients and visitors who fit his stereotype, ignoring the actual statistics that contradict his assumptions.

Thomas T Jones, a Hospital Administrator, Has Heard a Lot About