“Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Processes in Psychology”
- What is the first step in the problem-solving process?
- A) Generate possible solutions
- B) Identify the problem
- C) Evaluate solutions
- D) Implement the solution
- Answer: B) Identify the problem
Explanation: The first step in problem-solving is recognizing and clearly identifying the problem that needs to be solved.
- Which of the following is a heuristic used in decision-making?
- A) Trial and error
- B) Algorithmic approach
- C) Availability heuristic
- D) Deductive reasoning
- Answer: C) Availability heuristic
Explanation: The availability heuristic involves making decisions based on the most immediate or readily available information, often influenced by recent experiences or memories.
- Which of the following is an example of a well-defined problem?
- A) Deciding on a career path
- B) Solving a mathematical equation
- C) Choosing a restaurant to eat at
- D) Navigating social relationships
- Answer: B) Solving a mathematical equation
Explanation: A well-defined problem has clear goals and a specific solution process, such as a math equation.
- What is the key difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?
- A) Heuristics guarantee a solution, while algorithms do not
- B) Algorithms are quick, while heuristics are slow
- C) Algorithms follow a step-by-step procedure, while heuristics are mental shortcuts
- D) Heuristics are more accurate than algorithms
- Answer: C) Algorithms follow a step-by-step procedure, while heuristics are mental shortcuts
Explanation: Algorithms involve systematic, step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution, whereas heuristics are cognitive shortcuts that help in problem-solving but may not guarantee success.
- What does the term “confirmation bias” refer to in decision-making?
- A) The tendency to seek out information that contradicts existing beliefs
- B) The tendency to rely on the first solution that comes to mind
- C) The tendency to favor information that confirms preexisting beliefs
- D) The tendency to make decisions based on emotional states
- Answer: C) The tendency to favor information that confirms preexisting beliefs
Explanation: Confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that supports one’s pre-existing views, leading to biased decision-making.
- Which of the following is a common barrier to problem-solving?
- A) Functional fixedness
- B) Algorithmic thinking
- C) Availability bias
- D) Confirmation bias
- Answer: A) Functional fixedness
Explanation: Functional fixedness is the inability to see an object being used in a way other than its usual purpose, which can hinder creative problem-solving.
- The ability to understand and manage emotions in oneself and others is known as:
- A) Emotional regulation
- B) Emotional intelligence
- C) Cognitive flexibility
- D) Cognitive bias
- Answer: B) Emotional intelligence
Explanation: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions effectively in oneself and others.
- What is “overconfidence bias”?
- A) Belief that one is less capable than they are
- B) Tendency to overestimate one’s abilities or knowledge
- C) Tendency to underestimate the difficulty of a problem
- D) Tendency to rely on past experiences
- Answer: B) Tendency to overestimate one’s abilities or knowledge
Explanation: Overconfidence bias is the tendency to overestimate one’s skills, abilities, or knowledge, leading to poor decision-making.
- In decision-making, the “framing effect” refers to:
- A) Making decisions based on past experiences
- B) The influence of how information is presented on decision-making
- C) The tendency to avoid losses over acquiring gains
- D) Making decisions based on statistical data
- Answer: B) The influence of how information is presented on decision-making
Explanation: The framing effect is when people make different decisions based on how information is framed, even if the information is the same.
- What is the term used for a decision-making approach based on past experiences and intuition?
- A) Rational decision-making
- B) Intuitive decision-making
- C) Algorithmic decision-making
- D) Heuristic decision-making
- Answer: B) Intuitive decision-making
Explanation: Intuitive decision-making relies on instinct and past experiences, often without the use of a systematic or logical approach.
- Which cognitive bias occurs when people favor a decision that makes them feel good emotionally, rather than making the most rational choice?
- A) Anchoring bias
- B) Emotional bias
- C) Confirmation bias
- D) Availability bias
- Answer: B) Emotional bias
Explanation: Emotional bias occurs when decisions are influenced more by how a person feels rather than rational or objective factors.
- Which of the following is an example of a complex problem?
- A) Deciding what to wear
- B) Solving a Rubik’s cube
- C) Choosing a lunch item from a menu
- D) Deciding how to invest in the stock market
- Answer: D) Deciding how to invest in the stock market
Explanation: Complex problems involve many variables, uncertainty, and require careful thought, such as making investment decisions.
- Which term refers to the difficulty in considering new solutions due to reliance on familiar methods?
- A) Mental set
- B) Cognitive dissonance
- C) Fixation
- D) Insight
- Answer: A) Mental set
Explanation: Mental set refers to the tendency to approach a problem in a particular way, usually based on past experiences, which may prevent seeing new solutions.
- The process of making a decision based on reasoning and logic is called:
- A) Intuition
- B) Rational decision-making
- C) Emotional decision-making
- D) Heuristic decision-making
- Answer: B) Rational decision-making
Explanation: Rational decision-making involves using logical reasoning and objective analysis of available options.
- Which is a characteristic of creative problem-solving?
- A) Following a fixed process
- B) Utilizing existing knowledge without adaptation
- C) Generating novel and innovative solutions
- D) Avoiding risk
- Answer: C) Generating novel and innovative solutions
Explanation: Creative problem-solving involves thinking outside the box and generating new, original solutions to problems.
- What does the term “anchoring effect” refer to in decision-making?
- A) Tendency to give excessive weight to the first piece of information encountered
- B) Relying on intuition rather than logic
- C) Tendency to choose an option based on past experiences
- D) Tendency to make decisions in favor of the status quo
- Answer: A) Tendency to give excessive weight to the first piece of information encountered
Explanation: The anchoring effect is a cognitive bias that causes people to rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive when making decisions.
- What is the “availability bias” in decision-making?
- A) Relying on easily accessible information rather than comprehensive data
- B) Making decisions based on emotional influence
- C) Overestimating the importance of rare events
- D) Tending to seek out information that contradicts existing beliefs
- Answer: A) Relying on easily accessible information rather than comprehensive data
Explanation: Availability bias occurs when individuals rely on information that is easily available or most recent, rather than a complete data set.
- Which of the following is NOT a strategy used in problem-solving?
- A) Breaking the problem into smaller tasks
- B) Identifying multiple solutions
- C) Ignoring all variables and focusing on one factor
- D) Using trial and error
- Answer: C) Ignoring all variables and focusing on one factor
Explanation: Ignoring relevant variables and focusing on only one factor can result in an incomplete or flawed solution.
- In decision-making, what is meant by “satisficing”?
- A) Choosing the best possible solution
- B) Choosing a solution that is good enough, even if not optimal
- C) Following a long, logical decision-making process
- D) Relying on external experts to make the decision
- Answer: B) Choosing a solution that is good enough, even if not optimal
Explanation: Satisficing refers to choosing the first solution that meets acceptable criteria, rather than the optimal or perfect solution.
- What is “cognitive dissonance”?
- A) The inability to solve complex problems
- B) The discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes
- C) The process of choosing between alternatives
- D) The tendency to make decisions based on emotions rather than logic
- Answer: B) The discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes
Explanation: Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals experience mental discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs or attitudes, leading them to resolve the conflict.
