Social Science
Cognitive Biases and Decision Making
1,902 Questions
Explore a curated set of questions on cognitive biases, decision making, and behavioral economics. These concepts evaluate how social norms, emotions, and heuristics influence human judgment and group behavior. Master these topics to build a strong foundation for psychology and social science exams.
Behavioral economicsSocial group influencesEmotional decision makingConfirmation bias
Cognitive Biases and Decision Making Questions
The tendency for consumers to make decisions based on emotions rather than rational analysis is known as:
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Emotional Decision-Making
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Perception
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Motivation
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Learning
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Emotional Decision-Making is the tendency for consumers to make decisions based on emotions rather than rational analysis.
The tendency for consumers to seek information about products or services before making a purchase decision is known as:
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Consumer Research
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Perception
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Motivation
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Learning
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Consumer Research is the tendency for consumers to seek information about products or services before making a purchase decision.
The tendency for consumers to perceive products or brands in a positive light due to their association with positive emotions or experiences is known as:
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Brand Image
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Perception
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Motivation
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Learning
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Brand Image is the tendency for consumers to perceive products or brands in a positive light due to their association with positive emotions or experiences.
Which theory suggests that individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs?
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Confirmation bias theory
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Social identity theory
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Social exchange theory
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Cognitive dissonance theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Confirmation bias theory proposes that individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs. This tendency can lead to biased information processing and decision-making.
In cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, how do individuals typically react to change?
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With anxiety and resistance
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With excitement and curiosity
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With caution and skepticism
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With indifference and apathy
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, individuals are typically more open to change and new experiences. They are more likely to view change as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than as a threat.
What is the term for the tendency to conform to the opinions of others, even when those opinions are incorrect?
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Groupthink
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Social loafing
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Deindividuation
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Pluralistic ignorance
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Groupthink is a phenomenon in which people in a group suppress their individual opinions in order to reach a consensus.
What is the term for the tendency to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone?
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Groupthink
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Social loafing
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Deindividuation
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Pluralistic ignorance
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Social loafing is a phenomenon in which individuals in a group exert less effort than they would if they were working alone.
What is the term for the phenomenon in which people are unaware of the fact that others share their beliefs or attitudes?
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Groupthink
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Social loafing
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Deindividuation
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Pluralistic ignorance
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Pluralistic ignorance is a phenomenon in which people are unaware of the fact that others share their beliefs or attitudes.
Which of the following is an example of a cognitive bias?
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The confirmation bias
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The framing effect
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The anchoring bias
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can lead to poor judgments and decisions.
Which method involves presenting participants with a series of words and asking them to rate their subjective experience of the words, such as their pleasantness or familiarity?
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Word rating task
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Word association task
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Free association task
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Picture-word interference task
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The word rating task is used to investigate participants' subjective experiences of words, such as their emotional valence, familiarity, or concreteness.
What is the term used to describe the psychological process of seeking out and interpreting information in a way that confirms existing beliefs, often leading to biased decision-making?
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Confirmation bias
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Hindsight bias
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Framing bias
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Anchoring bias
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Confirmation bias is a psychological process in which individuals seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms existing beliefs, often leading to biased decision-making. This process is often used by terrorists to justify their actions and reinforce their ideologies.
What is the term used to describe the psychological process of attributing positive characteristics or intentions to a group of people, often leading to favoritism and discrimination against other groups?
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In-group favoritism
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Out-group derogation
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Stereotyping
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Prejudice
A
Correct answer
Explanation
In-group favoritism is a psychological process in which individuals attribute positive characteristics or intentions to a group of people they belong to, often leading to favoritism and discrimination against other groups. This process is often used by terrorists to create a sense of unity and loyalty within their group.
What is the term for the tendency of drivers to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the risks of driving?
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Risk compensation
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Optimism bias
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Confirmation bias
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Illusion of control
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The illusion of control is the tendency to overestimate one's ability to control events, often leading to risky behaviors.
What is the term used to describe the tendency for individuals to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs?
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Confirmation Bias
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Backfire Effect
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Framing Effect
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Priming Effect
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Confirmation Bias refers to the inclination to favor information that aligns with one's existing beliefs, often leading to selective processing and interpretation of evidence.
What is the term used to describe the tendency for individuals to conform to the opinions and behaviors of those around them?
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Groupthink
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Social Identity Theory
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Framing Effect
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Priming Effect
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Groupthink refers to the phenomenon where individuals within a group suppress their own opinions and conform to the dominant views of the group, often leading to flawed decision-making.