In which of the following scenarios would you be most likely to succumb to a false alarm in signal detection?
A) Listening for the kitchen timer to beep while you are cooking dinner
B) Monitoring for the vibration of your phone in your pocket while you are sitting
C) Listening for the sound of unknown creatures while you are walking alone in the woods at night
D) Listening for raindrops on a quiet afternoon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In scenario C, the high level of uncertainty and potential danger in the environment (walking alone in the woods at night) makes it more likely for false alarms to occur. The heightened arousal and anxiety can cause individuals to misinterpret sounds as potential threats or unfamiliar noises, leading to false alarms. In contrast, scenarios A, B, and D involve more predictable and familiar stimuli, reducing the likelihood of false alarms.

In Which of the Following Scenarios Would You Be Most