You have been set up on a blind date, and you find out that the date is with an investment banker. Suppose that you hold the stereotype that investment bankers are aggressive, rude, self-serving, and chauvinistic. If you are like most people, you will spend the evening
A) assuming that the date is aggressive, rude, self-serving, and chauvinistic, without ever looking for evidence one way or the other
B) hoping that the date will be aggressive, rude, self-serving, and chauvinistic
C) testing the hypothesis that the date is aggressive, rude, self-serving, and chauvinistic
D) thinking about how much you detest people who are aggressive, rude, self-serving, and chauvinistic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best option is to not assume the stereotype is true but to also not hope for confirmation of the stereotype. Testing the hypothesis by observing the behavior of the date and gathering evidence one way or the other is the most rational approach. It allows for the possibility that the stereotype may be inaccurate and gives the date the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

You Have Been Set Up on a Blind Date, and You