Cognitive Biases and Perception

What phenomenon describes the human tendency to dwell more on negative comments than positive ones?

• Positive reinforcement

• Negativity bias

• Cognitive dissonance

• Confirmation bias

What is the primary focus of Alison Ledgerwood's research?

• How people learn new skills

• How people get stuck in particular ways of thinking

• The impact of social media on mental health

• The development of memory in children

The expression "glass half full or half empty" is used to illustrate what concept?

• The importance of hydration

• The subjective nature of perception

• The physical properties of liquids

• The benefits of optimism

What did Alison Ledgerwood's research aim to understand regarding different ways of thinking?

• How to maintain a positive outlook at all times

• The ease of switching between positive and negative frames

• The impact of childhood experiences on adult thought patterns

• How to avoid negative thoughts entirely

In the study about a new surgical procedure, how was the information presented to the first group of people?

• As having a 30% failure rate

• As having a 70% success rate

• As having a 50/50 chance of success

• As a procedure with unknown outcomes

When the surgical procedure was described as having a 30% failure rate, what was the general reaction of the people?

• They were enthusiastic about it

• They were indifferent

• They didn't like the procedure

• They wanted more information before deciding

What happened when researchers tried to reframe the 30% failure rate as a 70% success rate for the group initially told about the failure rate?

• People immediately changed their minds and liked the procedure

• People became even more negative about the procedure

• People did not change their minds and still disliked the procedure

• People were confused and couldn't make a decision

From an evolutionary perspective, why might our minds be predisposed to focus on negative information?

• To enhance creativity and problem-solving skills

• To ensure survival by identifying and fixing problems

• To develop stronger social bonds through shared concerns

• To promote a sense of caution and risk aversion