In Wiseman and Smith's (2002) study, students who were told that two of four horoscopes (all made up by the experimenter) were based on their own astrological sign, were more likely to choose the horoscopes __________ as accurate in describing themselves. This demonstrates __________.
A) that were identified as their sign; ignoring the base rate
B) that were not identified as their sign; disconfirmation bias
C) that were identified as their sign; the confirmation bias
D) that were not identified as their sign; the confirmation bias
E) that were not identified as their sign; ignoring the base rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This demonstrates the confirmation bias, where individuals are more likely to favor information that confirms their preconceptions or hypotheses, disregarding evidence to the contrary. In this case, students were more inclined to believe in the accuracy of horoscopes identified as their own sign, aligning with their existing beliefs about astrology.

In Wiseman and Smith's (2002) Study, Students Who Were Told