Drawing a Conclusion on the Basis of Inadequate Evidence, Such

question 441

Multiple Choice

Drawing a conclusion on the basis of inadequate evidence, such as misinterpreting a frown on the face of a passerby to mean that the passerby is expressing disapproval, is an example of what Beck called:

• A)dichotomous thinking
• B)irrational thinking
• C)arbitrary inference
• D)irrational inference

---

Definitions:

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those assigned to the different groups.

Illusory Correlation

A cognitive bias in which a relationship between two variables is perceived to exist when in fact there is none or it is much weaker than assumed.

Dreams

Mental experiences during sleep, often containing imagery, thoughts, and emotions, which can range from mundane to deeply symbolic.

Future Events

Occurrences or situations that have not yet happened but are anticipated or expected to occur.