System 1 and System 2
Sarah, a seasoned driver, has been driving for hours on a long road trip. She’s able to make quick lane changes without conscious thought. What kind of thinking is she relying on, and why?
System 1 Thinking
After studying for weeks, James suddenly finds that he can’t remember the crucial details of his final exam material. What memory phenomenon could explain why he’s struggling, and how can he improve his retrieval?
Retrieval Failure
A researcher conducts an experiment on the effectiveness of a new drug, but only publishes results showing a positive outcome, ignoring negative findings. Which fallacy is the researcher committing, and what are the ethical implications?
Cherry Picking or selective reporting
Tom, a strong supporter of a particular political party, dismisses any news article that criticizes his party as biased or fake, even if the article is well-sourced. Which cognitive bias is Tom exhibiting, and how does it affect his reasoning?
confirmation bias
In a heated debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life, Samantha relies on personal anecdotes and intuition rather than scientific evidence. What type of knowledge is she using, and what are the drawbacks of this approach?
After a long day at work, John needs to choose a college for his graduate studies. He spends hours analyzing rankings, considering faculty, and reviewing application requirements. What type of thinking is John using here, and why?
System 2 Thinking
Lucy is told a personal story by a friend, but years later she mistakenly recalls the events as happening to her own life. What kind of memory error has Lucy experienced, and what could have caused this confusion?
Source Confusion or source amnesia
Maria hears a colleague make a questionable claim about a controversial political issue. Instead of addressing the argument, she insults the colleague’s intelligence. Which fallacy is Maria committing, and what does it reveal about her reasoning?
Ad hominem fallacy
After reading a study that supports his position on climate change, Greg disregards a conflicting study, claiming it was funded by an organization he distrusts. What type of reasoning error is Greg making, and why is it problematic?
Myside bias or biased reasoning
After hearing a friend’s argument on climate change, Lisa does not question it because the friend is a climate scientist. What type of reasoning error is Lisa committing, and why is it problematic to rely solely on authority?
Appeal to authority fallacy
In a cognitive test, two groups of people were asked to solve a complex math problem. Group A did so quickly and with less effort, while Group B took longer, but arrived at the correct answer. Explain which system each group used and why.
Group A -- System 1 Thinking
Group B-- System 2 Thinking
In a study, participants were shown a list of words. Later, some participants could only recall words related to the theme, but not the exact words presented. What memory process does this reveal, and why did it occur?
Semantic encoding or memory reconstruction
During a debate, one participant argues that if we allow small policy changes, it will lead to catastrophic outcomes, like the collapse of society. What fallacy is this, and why is it an irrational argument?
Slippery Slope Fallacy
Maria believes in astrology and actively seeks out horoscopes that confirm her belief, while ignoring ones that contradict her experiences. What cognitive phenomenon explains her behavior?
Motivated Reasoning
While making decisions, individuals often weigh their choices based on the expected outcomes, like cost and reward. What theory explains this process, and why might people often deviate from it?
Rational Choice theory
A judge, facing hundreds of cases to process, makes parole decisions quickly after lunch, denying most requests. What psychological concept is at play here, and how does it affect decision-making?
John had a traumatic car accident and can’t remember the event itself. However, he vividly recalls the events leading up to the crash. What type of memory loss is this, and what could have caused it?
Selective memory loss or dissociative amnesia
James argues that we should trust the opinion of a famous scientist on climate change simply because of their authority, despite a lack of empirical evidence. Which fallacy is James committing, and how can it affect rational decision-making?
The Appeal to authority fallacy
n a discussion about social inequality, Mark becomes defensive when someone points out evidence that contradicts his beliefs. He immediately attacks the source instead of considering the data. What cognitive bias is Mark showing, and how does it hinder rational discussion?
motivated reasoning or cognitive dissonance
When presented with a life-or-death choice, most individuals would choose certainty over risk, even if the risk carries a higher potential reward. What cognitive phenomenon explains this, and how does it impact decision-making?
Prospect Theory
You’re faced with an urgent decision, like whether to evacuate during a natural disaster. You make the decision quickly, relying on gut feelings. What type of thinking is guiding your choice, and how might it be both beneficial and problematic?
System 1 Thinking
After a long trip abroad, Emily is struggling to remember words in a new language she learned. This forgetting is influenced by her older language skills. What memory concept explains this?
Retroactive interference
An environmental activist argues that we should take immediate action to combat climate change, saying, “If you don’t care about the planet, you don’t care about humanity!” What fallacy is the activist using, and why is it problematic in persuasive arguments?
appeal to emotion fallacy
After making a controversial decision, a CEO justifies it by focusing on the success stories from similar cases while dismissing the negative outcomes. What is the CEO engaging in, and what are the potential risks of this type of reasoning?
Motivated Reasoning
You are asked to solve a complex ethical dilemma that requires you to consider both the logical and emotional consequences of your decision. What type of reasoning is required to balance these elements, and why is it essential for good judgment?
Rational Reasoning