Psychology 2135A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Attribute Substitution, Availability Heuristic, Representativeness Heuristic

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2135A/B
• Professor: Sarah Babcock

Document Summary

We draw conclusions from the evidence we encounter. We consider the implications of our various beliefs. Judgements often begin with a frequency estimate an assessment of how often various events have occurred in the past. Heuristics are efficient strategies that usually lead to the right answer. These strategies can lead to error: lack of diversity and representativeness. We expect each individual to be representative of the category. Reasoning from a single case to the entire population: the assumption of homogeneity can also lead to an expectation that the entire category will have the same properties as the individual category members. Covariation: when two variables react in sync with each other. People routinely detect covariation even where there is none. Assessment of covariation can also be pulled off track by another problem: neglect of base rate information info about how frequently something occurs in general. What produces a neglect of base rates: the answer is attribute substitution.