Damisch, Stroberock, and Mussweiller (2010) Conducted a Series of Experiments

question 19

Multiple Choice

Damisch, Stroberock, and Mussweiller (2010) conducted a series of experiments on whether having a lucky charm could improve performance. Half of the college student participants had a lucky charm available during performance of experimental tasks, such as remembering pairs of cards, while the other half did not. Which statement BEST describes the study findings?

• A) The students with the lucky charm performed no better than at chance levels, as would be expected if superstitions are irrational and ineffective.
• B) The students with the lucky charm performed worse than students who did not have a lucky charm available because they were overconfident.
• C) The students with the lucky charm performed significantly better than students who did not have a lucky charm available.
• D) Those students in both groups who believed in lucky charms performed better than those who did not.

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Definitions:

Groundwater

Water that is held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Microorganisms that thrive in environments lacking oxygen, involved in processes like fermentation, wastewater treatment, and in the human gut flora.

Sedimentary

Pertaining to rocks formed by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic particles deposited by water, wind, or ice.

Earth's Land

The solid surface of the Earth that is not covered by water, including continents and islands.