Deck 10: Thinking and Language

Question 1

People are quicker to recognize that sharp chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack than that shortness of breath is a symptom of a heart attack.This is because sharp pain more closely matches their heart attack

A) heuristic.
B) algorithm.
C) prototype.
D) fixation.

Answer 1

prototype.

Question 2

In testing thousands of different materials for use as light bulb filaments,Thomas Edison best illustrated a problem-solving approach known as

A) the availability heuristic.
B) trial and error.
C) belief perseverance.
D) framing.

Answer 2

trial and error.

Question 3

Heuristics are

A) methodical step-by-step procedures for solving problems.
B) mental groupings of similar objects,events,ideas,or people.
C) problem-solving strategies involving the use of trial and error.
D) simple thinking strategies for solving problems quickly and efficiently.

Answer 3

simple thinking strategies for solving problems quickly and efficiently.

Question 4

Christmas is to holiday as ________ is to ________.

A) category;prototype
B) heuristic;algorithm
C) algorithm;heuristic
D) prototype;category

Question 5

Suddenly understanding the double meaning of a joke best illustrates

A) belief perseverance.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) the framing effect.
D) insight.

Question 6

In one experiment,researchers were able to improve participants' insight by using electrical stimulation to the left hemisphere to ________ its activity and the right hemisphere to ________ its activity.

A) increase;decrease
B) decrease;increase
C) increase;increase
D) decrease;decrease

Question 7

In trying to solve a potentially complicated problem quickly,we are most likely to rely on

A) prototypes.
B) heuristics.
C) insight.
D) algorithms.

Question 8

Anika resisted changing her answer to a test question after reminding herself that "it's always best to stick with your first answer." Anika's decision best illustrates the use of

A) insight.
B) an algorithm.
C) trial and error.
D) a heuristic.

Question 9

Logical,methodical step-by-step procedures for solving problems are called

A) heuristics.
B) fixations.
C) prototypes.
D) algorithms.

Question 10

Cognitive psychologists are most directly concerned with the study of

A) emotion.
B) genetics.
C) brain chemistry.
D) thinking.

Question 11

Once we have categorized an object,our memory of the object increasingly resembles the category

A) algorithm.
B) prototype.
C) heuristic.
D) mental set.

Question 12

Professor Thompson's research focuses on the impact of prototypes on the speed of object recognition and identification.Which specialty area does this research best represent?

A) personality psychology
B) cognitive psychology
C) biological psychology
D) developmental psychology

Question 13

When we use the term Hispanic to refer to a category of people,we are using this word as a(n)

A) concept.
B) heuristic.
C) algorithm.
D) prototype.

Question 14

Jamilla systematically tried each successive key on her dad's key ring until she found the one that unlocked his office door.This best illustrates problem solving by means of

A) belief perseverance.
B) an algorithm.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) framing.

Question 15

A sudden realization of the solution to a problem is called

A) framing.
B) insight.
C) a heuristic.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 16

A concept is a

A) mental grouping of similar objects,events,ideas,or people.
B) a method of hypothesis testing involving trial and error.
C) a best example of a particular category.
D) a simple thinking strategy for solving problems efficiently.

Question 17

When someone mentions hamburgers,Trisha immediately thinks of McDonald's.In this instance,McDonald's is a(n)

A) algorithm.
B) heuristic.
C) prototype.
D) fixation.

Question 18

A best example of a category of objects,events,ideas,or people is called a(n)

A) algorithm.
B) concept.
C) prototype.
D) heuristic.

Question 19

Most people take less time to identify a cow as a mammal than a mouse as a mammal because a cow more closely resembles their mammal

A) prototype.
B) hierarchy.
C) heuristic.
D) algorithm.

Question 20

People more easily detect male discrimination against women than female discrimination against men because the former more closely resembles their discrimination

A) heuristic.
B) algorithm.
C) prototype.
D) fixation.

Question 21

Recently experienced local weather conditions often have a greater impact on people's perceived threat of global climate warming than less memorable scientific data regarding long-term planetary weather trends.This best illustrates the impact of

A) confirmation bias.
B) the framing effect.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 22

State lottery officials send residents a facsimile of a contest-winning check for over $5 million to encourage them to imagine themselves as possible winners.The lottery promoters are most clearly exploiting the influence of

A) confirmation bias.
B) belief perseverance.
C) an algorithm.
D) the availability heuristic.

Question 23

After learning that her two best friends had lost their jobs,Mariah began to grossly overestimate the national unemployment rate.Mariah's reaction best illustrates the consequences of

A) confirmation bias.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) fixation.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 24

In suggesting that our ancestral history has prepared us to fear snakes,psychologists are emphasizing that what we fear is influenced by

A) genetic factors.
B) belief perseverance.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) framing.

Question 25

Students were asked to figure out the rule used to devise the three-number sequence 2-4-6.After generating sets of three numbers to learn whether their sets met the rule,they typically convinced themselves of the wrong rule.Their errors best illustrate the impact of

A) divergent thinking.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) framing.
D) confirmation bias.

Question 26

Kevin succeeds in getting his children to do chores by using threats.He fails to recognize that kindness would be even more effective in gaining their cooperation.Kevin's shortsightedness best illustrates a consequence of

A) intuition.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) an algorithm.
D) a mental set.

Question 27

Failing to recognize our potential for error is best demonstrated by

A) convergent thinking.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) overconfidence.
D) framing.

Question 28

Many people perceive carjackings as more serious threats to their lives than failing to use seatbelts because carjackings are so much more memorable.This best illustrates the importance of

A) belief perseverance.
B) intrinsic motivation.
C) confirmation bias.
D) the availability heuristic.

Question 29

The availability heuristic refers to our tendency to

A) overestimate the accuracy of our judgments.
B) estimate the likelihood of an event based on how easily we remember instances of its occurrence.
C) search for information that is consistent with our preconceptions.
D) cling to our initial conceptions,even though they have been discredited.

Question 30

The tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions is called

A) the availability heuristic.
B) confirmation bias.
C) framing.
D) overconfidence.

Question 31

Many people overestimate how long they actually remain awake during restless nights because their moments of wakefulness are easier to recall than their moments of sleep.This best illustrates the impact of

A) framing.
B) confirmation bias.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) mental sets.

Question 32

Steve was sure he answered at least 70 questions correctly on his biology test.In fact,he was right on only 55 items.Steve's misjudgment of his test performance illustrates

A) the framing effect.
B) confirmation bias.
C) belief perseverance.
D) overconfidence.

Question 33

Myra has such low self-esteem that she is often on the lookout for critical comments about her appearance and personality.Myra's behavior best illustrates the dangers of

A) confirmation bias.
B) the framing effect.
C) trial and error.
D) algorithms.

Question 34

Brainstorming sessions that encourage people to spontaneously suggest new and unusual solutions to a problem are designed to avoid

A) heuristics.
B) prototypes.
C) divergent thinking.
D) fixations.

Question 35

Emotion-laden images of unusual but vivid cases of abducted children may lead many parents to experience exaggerated fears of letting their children walk to school.The exaggerated fears best illustrate the impact of

A) a fixation.
B) belief perseverance.
C) confirmation bias.
D) the availability heuristic.

Question 36

Jahmal cites his cousin Luana's many car accidents as evidence that women are worse drivers than men.He overlooks the fact that his wife and three daughters have had far fewer car accidents than he and his two sons.Jahmal's prejudicial conclusion about women's driving skills best illustrates the effects of

A) algorithms.
B) confirmation bias.
C) framing.
D) convergent thinking.

Question 37

A fixation refers to an inability to

A) sort items into categories.
B) estimate the likelihood of events.
C) view a problem from a fresh perspective.
D) search for evidence that supports our ideas.

Question 38

A mental set is a

A) methodical step-by-step procedure for solving problems.
B) mental grouping of similar objects,events,ideas,or people.
C) tendency to approach a problem in a way that has been successful in the past.
D) group of conclusions derived from certain assumptions or general principles.

Question 39

Many people underestimate the proportion of heart attacks that are not fatal because they are not as memorable as heart attacks resulting in death.This illustrates the shortcoming of relying on

A) an algorithm.
B) trial and error.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) convergent thinking.

Question 40

Our intuitions are feelings and thoughts that are best described as

A) automatic.
B) explicit.
C) conscious.
D) systematic.

Question 41

Weather forecasters typically avoid overconfidence when making weather predictions because they

A) work with computer-generated algorithms.
B) rely on prototypes for making category judgments.
C) use heuristics to avoid premature conclusions.
D) promptly receive clear feedback on their accuracy.

Question 42

Encouraging people to elaborate on why their own personal views on an issue are correct is most likely to promote

A) divergent thinking.
B) the framing effect.
C) insight.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 43

People who err on the side of overconfidence are especially likely to

A) use algorithms to solve problems.
B) appear less credible to others.
C) avoid confirmation bias.
D) live more happily.

Question 44

After taking two years of economics courses,Lionel thinks he knows enough about business to become a millionaire.Lionel should become more aware of

A) the availability heuristic.
B) algorithms.
C) belief perseverance.
D) overconfidence.

Question 45

Many people are less supportive of paying a "carbon tax" than of paying an equivalent cost in the form of a "carbon offset" fee.This best illustrates the impact of

A) the availability heuristic.
B) confirmation bias.
C) overconfidence.
D) framing.

Question 46

People's automatic,unconscious associations with a political position can predict their future decisions before they consciously make up their minds.This best illustrates the power of

A) prototypes.
B) intuition.
C) algorithms.
D) overconfidence.

Question 47

Despite overwhelming and highly publicized evidence that Senator McEwan was guilty of serious political corruption and misconduct,many who had supported her in past elections remained convinced of her political integrity.Their reaction best illustrates

A) the framing effect.
B) the planning fallacy.
C) belief perseverance.
D) the availability heuristic.

Question 48

Students routinely underestimate how much time it will take them to complete assignments.This best illustrates the impact of

A) the framing effect.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) an algorithm.
D) overconfidence.

Question 49

People are often positively impressed by research that supports their own point of view.Asking them whether they would have been equally impressed by the same research if it had provided results that disputed their point of view is likely to inhibit

A) divergent thinking.
B) concept formation.
C) belief perseverance.
D) insight.

Question 50

Ojinska sold many more raffle tickets when she told people they had a 10 percent chance of winning a prize than when she told them they had a 90 percent chance of not winning.This best illustrates the importance of

A) the availability heuristic.
B) belief perseverance.
C) confirmation bias.
D) framing.

Question 51

Sophie has an unrealistically negative self-image,which no one seems able to change.This best illustrates the impact of

A) the availability heuristic.
B) belief perseverance.
C) framing.
D) overconfidence.

Question 52

Belief perseverance refers to

A) a tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions.
B) approaching a problem in a particular way that has been successful in the past.
C) a methodical procedure that guarantees the eventual solution of a problem.
D) clinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited.

Question 53

An effort to "consider the opposite" would be most likely to inhibit

A) the availability heuristic.
B) belief perseverance.
C) divergent thinking.
D) insight.

Question 54

In writing survey questions,political pollsters who want to gather evidence of people's support for particular viewpoints are especially likely to understand the impact of

A) belief perseverance.
B) mental sets.
C) a fixation.
D) framing.

Question 55

U.S.employees who formerly wanted to defer part of their compensation to a 401(k)retirement plan typically had to lower their take-home pay as they "opted in" to the plan.Now companies are being encouraged to enroll their employees in the 401(k)plan automatically while allowing them to choose to raise their take-home pay by "opting-out" of the 401(k)plan.Under the "opt out" rather than "opt-in" system,enrollments in 401(k)plans soared.This best illustrates the impact of

A) overconfidence.
B) confirmation bias.
C) framing.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 56

People told that a chemical in the air is projected to kill 10 of every 10,000 people feel more frightened than if told the fatality risk is one-tenth of 1 percent.This best illustrates the importance of

A) a fixation.
B) overconfidence.
C) confirmation bias.
D) framing.

Question 57

Without being aware of it,we often use highly adaptive heuristics.This best illustrates the value of

A) intuition.
B) belief perseverance.
C) fixation.
D) algorithms.

Question 58

Professional hockey players can make correct game moves at such speed that their acquired expertise feels like

A) an algorithm.
B) divergent thinking.
C) extrinsic motivation.
D) intuition.

Question 59

Experimental participants reviewed two research studies,one supporting and the other refuting the crime-deterring effectiveness of capital punishment.Afterward,the opinions of those who initially favored the use of capital punishment became ________ favorable toward its use.The opinions of those who initially opposed the use of capital punishment became ________ favorable toward its use.

A) more;more
B) less;more
C) less;less
D) more;less

Question 60

Framing refers to

A) a methodical step-by-step procedure for solving problems.
B) the way in which a problem or issue is phrased or worded.
C) the grouping of similar objects,events,ideas,or people into a category.
D) a simple thinking strategy for solving problems efficiently.

Question 61

Phonemes are

A) the prelingual sounds emitted by all infants.
B) the smallest distinctive sound units of a language.
C) rules for combining words into grammatically correct sentences.
D) the smallest speech units that carry meaning.

Question 62

Alex was an African Grey parrot who could

A) indicate which of two numbers was greater.
B) use a flexible stick for fishing termites.
C) demonstrate self-awareness by recognizing himself in a mirror.
D) display insight as well as most 3-year-old children.

Question 63

When Fred pronounced the words this and that,he noticed that they share a common

A) syntax.
B) morpheme.
C) grammar.
D) phoneme.

Question 64

Creativity is the ability to

A) experience insight.
B) develop prototypes.
C) solve problems quickly.
D) produce novel and valuable ideas.

Question 65

Spoken,written,or signed words and the ways they are combined to communicate meaning constitute

A) semantics.
B) syntax.
C) heuristics.
D) language.

Question 66

Psychologist Wolfgang Köhler placed a piece of fruit and a long stick outside chimpanzee Sultan's cage.Inside the cage he placed a short stick.After gaining insight into the solution of the problem,Sultan used

A) the short stick to try reaching the long stick.
B) the fruit to try retrieving the long stick.
C) the long stick to try retrieving the fruit.
D) the short stick to try retrieving the long stick.

Question 67

Experienced chicken sexers can tell you a chick's sex at a glance,yet cannot tell you how they do it.Their acquired expertise is such an automatic habit that it feels like

A) an algorithm.
B) a fixation.
C) intuition.
D) divergent thinking.

Question 68

Students who have spent time living abroad and experiencing other cultures are more adept at

A) creative problem solving.
B) generating algorithms.
C) convergent thinking.
D) forming concepts.

Question 69

Great apes,dolphins,and elephants have demonstrated self-awareness by

A) recognizing themselves in a mirror.
B) transmitting cultural innovations.
C) forming concepts.
D) fashioning tools.

Question 70

Divergent thinking involves

A) expanding the number of possible solutions to a problem.
B) estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory.
C) a methodical procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem.
D) overestimating the accuracy of one's beliefs.

Question 71

A person who can effectively identify the best possible answers to multiple-choice test questions best illustrates

A) a mental set.
B) convergent thinking.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) belief perseverance.

Question 72

Narrowing available problem solutions to the single best solution illustrates

A) divergent thinking.
B) confirmation bias.
C) the availability heuristic.
D) convergent thinking.

Question 73

Newlyweds' automatic gut reactions to their new spouses predict their future marital happiness.This best illustrates the informative value of

A) algorithms.
B) intuition.
C) fixations.
D) divergent thinking.

Question 74

The factors associated with creativity include

A) impulsivity and empathy.
B) expertise and a venturesome personality.
C) a need for control and belief perseverance.
D) intuition and overconfidence.

Question 75

People who make outstanding creative contributions to the arts or sciences are most likely to

A) be unusually sensitive to criticism of their ideas.
B) receive above-average scores on tests of divergent thinking.
C) avoid the use of heuristics.
D) be strongly motivated to attain fame and fortune.

Question 76

One group of Australian dolphins learned to use marine sponges as protective noseguards when probing the sea floor for fish.This best illustrates their capacity to

A) demonstrate empathy.
B) use tools.
C) generate algorithms.
D) develop heuristics.

Question 77

Crows have been observed to raise the water level in a tube by dropping stones into the tube,so that they can then nab a floating worm.It has been suggested that this feat is a display of

A) the availability heuristic.
B) belief perseverance.
C) the framing effect.
D) insight.

Question 78

Injury to certain areas of the ________ lobes can destroy imagination while leaving reading,writing,and arithmetic skills intact.

A) frontal
B) parietal
C) occipital
D) temporal

Question 79

Whenever Arlo reminded himself that his musical skills could earn him fame and fortune,he became less creative in his musical performance.This best illustrates that creativity may be inhibited by

A) intuition.
B) a venturesome personality.
C) incubation.
D) extrinsic motivation.

Question 80

After gathering extensive information about the colleges she was interested in attending,Krista let the information "incubate" outside her conscious awareness for several days.This provided time for her decision to be potentially enhanced by

A) the framing effect.
B) confirmation bias.
C) an algorithm.
D) intuition.