Even though his physician has told him that there is not an association between weather conditions and arthritis pain, Neville is convinced that his arthritis will act up when barometric pressure changes. Neville's tendency to see a meaningful pattern even when it doesn't exist is called:
A) justification of effort.
B) mental set.
C) mindlessness.
D) stereotype threat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neville's tendency to see a meaningful pattern even when it doesn't exist is called a mental set, which is a cognitive framework or belief that shapes the way individuals perceive and interpret information. In this case, Neville's mental set is that weather conditions are associated with his arthritis pain, despite being told otherwise. This is an example of confirmation bias, where individuals tend to seek and interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses.

Even Though His Physician Has Told Him That There Is