Perception

Six months ago, Arjun messed up a critical client pitch. Since then, he’s handled two major accounts successfully. However, in a recent team meeting, when Arjun suggests a risky idea, the manager says, “Let’s get a second opinion—just to be safe.” Which shortcut is influencing the manager’s judgment?

• Contrast Effect

• Horn Effect

• Selective Perception

• Stereotyping

Sneha, from the marketing team, is known for being outspoken in meetings. When she joins a new cross-functional task force, the finance lead assumes she’ll dominate discussions and resists collaborating. Which bias is likely at play?

• Stereotyping

• Halo Effect

• Selective Perception

• Actor-Observer Bias

During campus hiring, a recruiter interviews a very charismatic candidate who jokes often. The recruiter is so impressed that the next 3 serious, competent candidates feel “flat” by comparison—even though their credentials are better. Which shortcut does this describe?

• Horn Effect

• Contrast Effect

• Selective Perception

• Stereotyping

Aishwarya is a top performer, known for her punctuality and precision. When she misses a critical deadline, her boss says, “There must be a good reason—this isn’t like her.” When a newer team member misses a deadline, the same boss reacts: “They clearly don’t have time management skills.” What bias is influencing the different judgments?

• Selective Perception

• Stereotyping

• Halo Effect

• Fundamental Attribution Error

During a heated strategy meeting, a male manager raises his voice. It’s seen as passionate and assertive. When a female manager does the same in a later meeting, she’s called “aggressive and emotional.” What perceptual shortcut is this an example of?

• Contrast Effect

• Horn Effect

• Stereotyping

• Selective Perception

A manager believes that a team member “just doesn’t have leadership potential.” In the 360-degree feedback review, the manager highlights only comments that confirm this belief and downplays evidence to the contrary. Which perceptual shortcut is strongest here?

• Selective Perception

• Horn Effect

• Stereotyping

• Self-Serving Bias

Two employees arrive late to a client meeting. One is wearing a suit and polished shoes, the other is in casual attire. The manager reprimands the casually dressed one more harshly, assuming they were “unprofessional.” Which shortcut is being applied?

• Contrast Effect

• Horn Effect

• Stereotyping

• Selective Perception

Rahul, an intern, rarely speaks up in meetings. His manager assumes he isn’t confident or capable, despite the fact that his written reports are thorough and insightful. Which bias is most likely at play?

• Halo Effect

• Horn Effect

• Selective Perception

• Stereotyping

At a formal dinner with an international client, an employee from the design team chooses to remain silent most of the evening. The manager later remarks, “He clearly lacks confidence and isn’t client-ready,” without knowing that the employee isn’t fluent in the client’s language. Which shortcut is this?

• Horn Effect

• Fundamental Attribution Error

• Stereotyping

• Selective Perception

Shalini is the third presenter in a student competition. The first was exceptional, and the second was below average. Shalini gives a good presentation, but the judges rate her poorly, saying, “She didn’t shine.” Which shortcut is most evident?

• Contrast Effect

• Horn Effect

• Selective Perception

• Halo Effect