Concept introduction
We are not natural logical thinkers; in fact there are many thinking tendencies that get in the way of logical thinking. These include our tendency to hang on to what we believe despite evidence we are wrong (belief bias). We seek and pay more attention to anything that seems to support our beliefs (confirmation bias). We tend to forget events that contradict our beliefs and remember only those, even if rare, that seem to confirm out beliefs (fallacy of positive instances and overestimation effect). We may even believe things we simply wish were true.
Explanation of Solution
Suggested responses
Through awareness of our tendencies to hang onto, seek confirmation for, and remember only things that seem to support our beliefs, we can make an effort to seek out and fairly evaluate contradictory information.
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Chapter 7 Solutions
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