Which Statement Best Reflects the Illusory Correlation Effect

question 34

Multiple Choice

Which statement best reflects the illusory correlation effect

• A) We see correlations between social traits that really aren't there, because our expectations distort our memories. 
• B) We fail to see true correlations between social traits, because our expectations distort our memories. 
• C) We are motivated to accurately estimate the frequency with which some pattern of social traits occurs. 
• D) We incorrectly assume that one social trait is the cause of another, simply because we have observed that they are correlated.

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Definitions:

Magnitude

The size, extent, or importance of something, often quantified in terms of measurements or impact.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a particular subject, group, or event to explore causation in order to find underlying principles.

Analogue Experiment

A research method in which the researcher attempts to replicate or simulate under controlled conditions aspects of a real-life situation.

Matched Design Study

A research design in which participants are paired or grouped based on certain shared characteristics to help ensure that the conditions being compared are as similar as possible.