M35 Reading Check

Which of the following is a good example of functional fixedness?

• Failing to use a dime as a screwdriver when you have lost your screwdriver.

• Not being able to solve a physics problem because you apply the same rule you always do.

• Using a blanket as a pillow.

• Adding water to a cake mix when it calls for milk.

• Thinking of an apple first when you are asked to name fruits.

Having been told that Syd is an engineer and Fran is an elementary school teacher, when Arnold meets the couple for the first time, he assumes that Syd is the husband and Fran is the wife, rather than the opposite, which is the case. (Syd = Sydney, a female and Fran = Francis, a male) This best illustrates...

• confirmation bias.

• cognitive illusion.

• the mere exposure effect.

• the anchoring effect.

• the representativeness heuristic.

A methodical, logical rule that guarantees solving a particular problem is called a(n)...

• heuristic.

• algorithm.

• insight.

• mental set.

• confirmation bias.

Thom believes that his congresswoman is an honest woman. He looks for examples of her giving to charity and ignores her ethics violations, which have recently been in the news. Thom is being affected by...

• confirmation bias.

• intuition.

• mental set.

• the availability heuristic.

• overconfidence.

Thom still believes that the congresswoman is an honest person even after she is arrested and sent to jail. Thom is now experiencing...

• framing.

• intuition.

• insight.

• belief perseverance.

• confirmation bias.

Many people prefer meat that is 80% lean instead of 20% fat, even though they are the same thing. Which concept is being used when the same information is presented in a more desirable way?

• Intuition

• Insight

• Framing

• Overconfidence

• Perseverance

After seeing a news story about a kidnapping, we are more afraid of kidnapping, even though it is a very rare occurrence. Which of the following is the term for this phenomenon?

• Intuition Insight

• Confirmation Bias

• Belief Perseverance

• Mental Set

• Availability heuristic

Choose a few terms from the following list: algorithm, heuristic, insight, confirmation bias, fixation, intuition, overconfidence, belief perseverance, framing, and/or creativity. Then explain how these are present in one of the following areas: COVID community/school behaviors, US Presidential Election/Voting, or shopping for holiday gifts for family and friends. Should have about 3 sentences.