More People Seem to Fear a Snake Bite Than a Dog

question 36

Multiple Choice

More people seem to fear a snake bite than a dog bite, and yet statistically one is more likely to be bitten by a dog than by a snake. This is because people tend to estimate the probability of an outcome based on how easy the outcome is to imagine. This represents which of the following cognitive biases?

• A) Escalating commitment
• B) Hypothesis bias
• C) Availability error
• D) Representativeness
• E) Illusion of control

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Definitions:

Animal Research

The use of non-human animals in experiments aimed at understanding biological processes, diseases, or the effects of drugs, often with implications for human health.

Unnecessary Cruelty

Actions or behavior that cause harm or suffering without any justifiable purpose or benefit, often considered morally reprehensible.

Deceased Animals

Refers to animals that have died due to natural causes, disease, predation, or human activity.

Nomothetic

Nomothetic refers to an approach in psychological and social science research that focuses on identifying general laws that apply across individuals, as opposed to studying the unique aspects of individuals.