Understanding Shark Fears and Cognitive Biases

What is the average number of people killed by sharks each year?

• Around 50 people

• Around 20 people

• Around 10 people

• Around 1 person

Which cognitive bias makes us think shark attacks are more common than they are?

• Hindsight bias

• Anchoring bias

• Availability bias

• Confirmation bias

What does the Cognitive Vulnerability Model suggest about our fear of sharks?

• We fear sharks because they are unpredictable and uncontrollable.

• We fear sharks because they are always aggressive.

• We fear sharks because they are frequently encountered.

• We fear sharks because they are the most dangerous animals.

Why might people be more afraid of flying than driving, according to the Cognitive Vulnerability Model?

• Planes are more likely to crash than cars.

• People have less control over planes than cars.

• Planes are more expensive than cars.

• Flying is a newer mode of transportation than driving.

How can exposure to sharks help reduce fear?

• By making people avoid the ocean.

• By helping people understand sharks better.

• By increasing the number of shark attacks.

• By making sharks seem more dangerous.