On Monday,Manuel interviewed for a job that he really wants.The interviewer told Manuel that he would call on Friday to tell Manuel if he got the job.On late Friday afternoon,Manuel is in the shower,straining to hear the phone above the noise of the water.Whenever he hears a sound,he thinks it is the phone.Manuel is showing ________ ,a concept described in ________.
A) response bias; opponent-process theory
B) sensory adaptation; opponent-process theory
C) response bias; signal detection theory
D) sensory adaptation; signal detection theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Manuel is exhibiting response bias by constantly monitoring for a signal (the phone ringing) and interpreting other stimuli as potential signals. This is described in signal detection theory, which examines how individuals make decisions based on uncertain or ambiguous information. Sensory adaptation is not applicable in this scenario as Manuel is not experiencing a decrease in sensitivity to the sound of the phone over time.

On Monday,Manuel Interviewed for a Job That He Really Wants