Social Science

Cognitive Biases and Decision Making

1,880 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

Multiple choice

The tendency to make decisions based on the fear of missing out or losing an opportunity is known as:

  1. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

  2. Behavioral Economics

  3. Prospect Theory

  4. Nudge Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) refers to the psychological phenomenon where individuals experience anxiety or regret over missing out on social events, experiences, or opportunities.

Multiple choice

Which theory suggests that individuals tend to be more risk-averse when faced with potential losses compared to potential gains?

  1. Behavioral Economics

  2. Prospect Theory

  3. Nudge Theory

  4. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Prospect theory is a behavioral economics theory that describes how individuals make decisions under risk and uncertainty, suggesting that they are more sensitive to losses than to gains.

Multiple choice

The idea that individuals tend to make decisions based on heuristics and mental shortcuts rather than exhaustive analysis is known as:

  1. Behavioral Economics

  2. Nudge Theory

  3. Prospect Theory

  4. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Behavioral economics studies how psychological factors and cognitive biases influence economic decision-making, including the use of heuristics and mental shortcuts.

Multiple choice

The concept of 'nudging' in behavioral economics refers to:

  1. Behavioral Economics

  2. Nudge Theory

  3. Prospect Theory

  4. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nudge theory proposes that individuals' behaviors can be influenced through subtle interventions or 'nudges' that encourage desired choices without restricting freedom of choice.

Multiple choice

The tendency to make decisions based on the desire to avoid regret or negative outcomes is known as:

  1. Regret Aversion

  2. Behavioral Economics

  3. Prospect Theory

  4. Nudge Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Regret aversion is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to make decisions to avoid potential regret or negative outcomes, even if it means sacrificing potential gains.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging?

  1. Ageism

  2. Generational conflict

  3. Intergenerational solidarity

  4. Youthful exuberance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ageism refers to the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice against older adults.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the tendency of people to avoid expressing opinions that they believe are unpopular?

  1. Agenda-setting theory

  2. Cultivation theory

  3. Priming theory

  4. Spiral of silence theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Spiral of silence theory suggests that people are less likely to express opinions that they believe are unpopular, for fear of social isolation or negative consequences.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the tendency of people to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs?

  1. Confirmation bias

  2. Selective perception

  3. Selective exposure

  4. Selective retention
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency of people to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs, while avoiding information that contradicts them.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the tendency of people to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs?

  1. Confirmation bias

  2. Selective perception

  3. Selective exposure

  4. Selective retention
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency of people to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs, while avoiding information that contradicts them.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the interference of new information with the recall of old information?

  1. Amnesia

  2. Decay

  3. Interference

  4. Repression
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Interference is the term for the interference of new information with the recall of old information.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the tendency for individuals to compare their online lives to others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and envy?

  1. Social comparison

  2. Cyberbullying

  3. Online harassment

  4. Digital envy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Social comparison refers to the tendency for individuals to compare their online lives to others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and envy.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the tendency of individuals to avoid expressing opinions that deviate from the perceived majority view?

  1. Agenda-Setting Theory

  2. Cultivation Theory

  3. Framing Theory

  4. Spiral of Silence Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Spiral of Silence Theory proposes that individuals are less likely to express opinions that differ from the perceived majority view due to fear of isolation or social disapproval.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the tendency of media outlets to focus on negative or sensational news stories?

  1. Negativity Bias

  2. Positivity Bias

  3. Objectivity Bias

  4. Balance Bias
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Negativity Bias refers to the tendency of media outlets to prioritize negative or sensational news stories, which can shape public perception and attitudes.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the phenomenon where individuals tend to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and attitudes?

  1. Confirmation Bias

  2. Disconfirmation Bias

  3. Selective Perception

  4. Selective Exposure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Confirmation Bias refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out information that supports their existing beliefs and attitudes, while avoiding information that contradicts them.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the phenomenon where individuals tend to remember information that is presented first or last in a series?

  1. Primacy Effect

  2. Recency Effect

  3. Serial Position Effect

  4. Availability Heuristic
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Serial Position Effect refers to the tendency of individuals to remember information that is presented first or last in a series, while information in the middle is often less well-remembered.