You are attending a conference where most of the people in attendance are young college students just like you. While there, you meet Frida, who appears to be in her fifties, is conservatively dressed, and is speaking confidently to a group of students. Based on your observations, you decide that Frida must be one of the few professors attending the conference. Which of the following best explains your judgment?
A) The representativeness heuristic
B) The availability heuristic
C) The base rate
D) Inductive reasoning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The representativeness heuristic is a mental shortcut that involves making a decision by comparing the present situation to the most representative mental prototype. In this scenario, Frida's age, attire, and confident demeanor led you to categorize her as a professor, which is a judgment based on how well she fits your mental image of a professor, rather than on statistical information or explicit evidence. This is a classic example of the representativeness heuristic at work.

You Are Attending a Conference Where Most of the People