Question 1

The primacy effect enables us to see other people as they really are.

Accepted Answer

The primacy effect is the biased perception that results when the first pieces of information that people have about some target have an inordinately large influence on their perception of the target.

Question 2

Due to the contrast effect, a manager's perception of an average subordinate is likely to be lower if that subordinate is in a group with very high performers rather than in a group with very low performers.

Accepted Answer

The contrast effect refers to the tendency for an individual's perception of something to be influenced by their comparison to something else. In this case, if a manager is surrounded by high-performing subordinates, their perception of an average performer may be diminished in comparison. This is because the contrast between the average performer and the high performers makes the average performer appear less impressive. Conversely, if the manager is surrounded by low-performing subordinates, the contrast between the average performer and the low performers may make the average performer appear more competent. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 3

The similar-to-me bias can be a problem today, given the increasing diversity in organizational membership.

Accepted Answer

The similar-to-me bias refers to the tendency for people to like, favor, and hire others who are similar to themselves. This bias can be problematic in today's diverse workplaces as it can lead to a lack of diversity and inclusion in the organization.

Question 4

External attributions assign the cause of behavior to factors within the individual.

Accepted Answer

External attributions assign the cause of behavior to factors outside the individual.

Question 5

Self-fulfilling prophecies only have an effect on individual employees.

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, self-fulfilling prophecies can occur in an entire work group.

Question 6

Military test pilots generally believe that a pilot who crashes a plane did not possess the "right stuff"-- the skill or strength necessary to fly the airplane. This is an example of an internal attribution.

Accepted Answer

The statement indicates that the test pilots are attributing the cause of the crash to the pilot's lack of skill or strength, which is an internal factor.

Question 7

A halo effect happens because people tend to like others who are similar to themselves.

Accepted Answer

The similar-to-me effect occurs because people tend to like others who are similar to themselves.

Question 8

A prediction that comes true because a perceiver expects it to come true is known as the attribution theory.

Accepted Answer

A prediction that comes true because a perceiver expects it to come true is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Question 9

Primacy effects do not influence the perception and evaluation of long-time members of an organization.

Accepted Answer

Primacy effects can be a problem in the perception and evaluation of long-time members of an organization.

Question 10

Attribution theory describes how people explain the causes of the behavior of themselves and others.

Accepted Answer

Attribution theory is a recognized psychological theory that describes how people explain the causes of behavior, both their own and others'. It was first introduced by psychologist Fritz Heider in 1958.

Question 11

John Andrews believes that fate determines whether an individual will be a successful professional poker player. John has made an internal attribution.

Accepted Answer

Internal attributions assign the cause of behavior to some characteristic of the target and assign credit or blame to the individual actor. External attributions assign the cause of behavior to factors outside the individual.

Question 12

A bias is a systematic tendency to use or interpret information about a target in a way that results in inaccurate perceptions.

Accepted Answer

This is the correct definition of bias. It refers to a systematic pattern of distorting information or interpretations in a way that deviates from the true value or meaning. Biases can be conscious or unconscious, and they can affect our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards other people or groups. To reduce biases, it's important to be aware of them and to actively seek out diverse perspectives and evidence.

Question 13

Primacy effects are common problems in interviews.

Accepted Answer

Primacy effects refer to the tendency for interviewers to rely heavily on first impressions, which can result in biased evaluations of candidates. This is a common problem in interviews.

Question 14

The halo effect can cause a supervisor to evaluate subordinates, who are similar to him or her, more positively than they deserve.

Accepted Answer

The similar-to-me bias is the "birds of a feather" tendency. It can create problems because people tend to perceive those who are similar to themselves more positively than they perceive those who are dissimilar.

Question 15

Employees who perceive that they are respected by their company are less likely to be absent or quit.

Accepted Answer

The absence and turnover rates at companies perceived to respect employees, such at Habitat International, are very low.

Question 16

Whether internal or external attributions are made for behavior is an important determinant of how people in an organization respond to the behavior.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Whether behavior is attributed to internal factors (such as personality or ability) or external factors (such as situational factors or luck) can have significant implications for how individuals and groups within organizations perceive and react to the behavior. For example, if an individual is perceived as performing well due to their inherent ability, they may be rewarded and given more opportunities for growth and development within the organization. On the other hand, if their success is attributed to situational factors, they may not receive the same level of recognition or advancement. Therefore, understanding how attributions are made can be an important tool for organizational leaders in managing and motivating employees.

Question 17

A contrast effect is the biased perception that results when the perceiver's perception of others in the situation distorts his or her perceptions of a target person.

Accepted Answer

A contrast effect can occur when someone's perception of a target person is influenced by their comparison to others in the same situation. This can lead to a distorted perception of the target person.

Question 18

Being salient and stereotyped in a situation usually has a positive effect on a target's performance.

Accepted Answer

Being salient and stereotyped in a situation can actually result in a target's performance being adversely affected.

Question 19

One step organizations are taking to reduce the negative effects of salience and stereotyping on minority employees is linking managers' bonuses to diversity goals and initiatives.

Accepted Answer

By linking managers' bonuses to diversity goals and initiatives, organizations are incentivizing their managers to actively work towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which can help reduce the negative effects of salience and stereotyping on minority employees. This approach also sends a strong message to managers that diversity and inclusion are high priorities for the organization.

Question 20

Stereotyping will occur if others in the organization become biased, simply because they know how a person stands on a predictor of performance.

Accepted Answer

Knowledge-of-predictor bias can occur when others in the organization become biased because they know a person's standing on a predictor of performance.

Quiz 4: Perception Attribution and the Management of Diversity