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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The illusory correlation effect refers to the phenomenon where people perceive a relationship between two variables (typically social traits) even when no such relationship exists, often because their expectations or beliefs distort their perception and memory.

The Illusory Correlation Effect Occurs When We