Cognitive Biases and Problem Solving

What does cognition primarily refer to?

• The process of logically processing information like a computer.

• Our thoughts, perspectives, and expectations.

• The ability to solve crossword puzzles.

• The process of making dumb decisions.

What is the main purpose of forming concepts?

• To create unique names for every single object.

• To complicate our thinking processes.

• To mentally group similar objects, people, ideas, or events.

• To make our brains work slower.

How can prototypes sometimes lead to prejudice?

• They always make our thinking faster and more efficient.

• They help us understand new things more easily.

• They can box in our thinking if something doesn't fit our existing mental image.

• They are only used for positive associations.

Which problem-solving strategy guarantees a solution but can be slow to work through?

• Heuristic

• Trial and Error

• Insight

• Algorithm

What is the term for when someone only seeks out information that supports their existing beliefs and ignores information that goes against them?

• Belief perseverance

• Confirmation bias

• Functional fixedness

• Availability heuristic

What is it called when someone continues to believe something, even after being shown clear evidence that it is wrong?

• Mental set

• Overconfidence

• Belief perseverance

• Availability heuristic

Imagine you need to hammer a nail, but you can't find a hammer. You have a brick nearby, but you don't think to use it. What cognitive bias is this an example of?

• Confirmation bias

• Availability heuristic

• Belief perseverance

• Functional fixedness

Why might someone be more afraid of a plane crash than a car accident, even though car accidents are much more common?

• Functional fixedness makes them ignore car accident statistics.

• Plane crashes are often more vividly reported in the news, making them seem more likely.

• They have a mental set that prevents them from understanding statistics.

• Confirmation bias leads them to believe plane crashes are more dangerous.