Chapter 1

Question 1

availability heuristic

Answer 1

judgements about the likelihood of an event or situation occurring based on how easily we can think of similar or relevant instances. (ex. if we can easily think of a time when a storm didn’t live up to a forecaster’s prediction, we could ignore an evacuation order)

Question 2

representativeness heuristic

Answer 2

determine the likelihood of an event based on what we consider to be a “typical example of that event. (ex. “wanting to eat healthier, then eating granola and fruit-flavoured yogurt for lunch”)

Question 3

better-than-average effect

Answer 3

overestimating skills, abilities, and performance when comparing yourself to others. (ex. “are you a good driver? do you have a good sense of humour?”)

Question 4

overconfidence phenomenon

Answer 4

being overly confident in the correctness of our judgment. (ex. anticipating a high exam score when that usually doesn’t happen for you)

Question 5

hindsight bias

Answer 5

the feeling you knew something all along after the outcome is learned.

Question 6

focusing effect

Answer 6

when you emphasize some pieces of information and undervalue others. (helps confirm our pre-existing beliefs)

Question 7

introspection

Answer 7

reflecting our own thoughts and experiences. (ex. writing in a journal/diary)

Question 8

“what you see is all there is” phenomenon

Answer 8

taking things at face value. (you fail to see the limitations of our immediate experience)pl

Question 9

pleasure paradox

Answer 9

when an introspective analysis regarding a positive experience results in it becoming less enjoyable

Question 10

belief perseverance

Answer 10

maintaining beliefs despite contradictory factual information. (ex. your friend does something bad, but your still believe they’re a good person)

Question 11

law of small numbers

Answer 11

extreme outcomes are more likely when considering a small number of cases. (ex. an old person with bad living habits living a long life, doesn’t mean everyone will)

Question 12

outlier

Answer 12

a case distinct from other cases; an oddball.

Question 13

“person who” statistics

Answer 13

ignore data/research because you know a person who contradicts it.

Question 14

scientific method

Answer 14

a systematic approach for addressing questions of interest.

Question 15

empirical research

Answer 15

researching using systemic observation, experience, or measurement. (ex. relies on research proving that cramming doesn’t work)

Question 16

non-empirical research

Answer 16

researching using non-systemic methods, like examining personal experience or opinions. (relies on friends experiences to prove cramming works)

Question 17

replication

Answer 17

recreating another person’s study to see if the findings are the same.

Question 18

basic research

Answer 18

research that expands the knowledge on an existing topic.

Question 19

applied research

Answer 19

research dedicated to solving a problem and helping people improve their quality of life. (if there’s an immediate goal of solving something)

Question 20

denialisms use five strategies (FLICC)

Answer 20

1. Fake experts
2. Logical fallacies
3. Impossible expectations
4. Cherry-picking
5. Conspiracy theories

Question 21

pseudoscience

Answer 21

claims not backed by the scientific method.

Question 22

fake news

Answer 22

new portrayed as true with no basis in fact.

Question 23

critical-thinking skills

Answer 23

the ability to evaluate, apply, analyze, and synthesize information.

Question 24

infographic

Answer 24

a graphic that synthesizes statistical information with aesthetically appealing visuals.