In cultures where magic is practiced, people may use an amulet (a charm that is shaped like an animal) to give them the characteristics of the animal. For example, wearing a bear amulet might give a person strength. This belief seems to be the operation of the _____ heuristic.
A) representativeness
B) availability
C) illusory correlation
D) superstition

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The representativeness heuristic is at play here because people are assuming that because the amulet represents an animal with certain characteristics (like a bear's strength), wearing it will imbue them with those same characteristics. This is a cognitive shortcut where the resemblance between the amulet and the animal leads to an expectation of shared traits.

In Cultures Where Magic Is Practiced, People May Use an Amulet