Suppose you are buying a new home and have looked at several different houses. According to research on automatic decision making, what would be the best way for you to make up your mind about which one to buy?
a. Distract yourself by working on puzzles and then choose a house.
b. Think consciously about the alternatives and then make up your mind.
c. Spend a few minutes thinking consciously about the alternatives and then several minutes distracting yourself by working on puzzles.
d. Get a good night's sleep and then choose a house when you first wake up in the morning.
Question 2
Suppose you're driving home from watching a scary movie about a hitchhiker who was a murderer when you see someone talking loudly with a friend. Because you saw the movie, you assume that you are witnessing an argument that will probably end in a fight.
What is the best explanation for this phenomenon?
a. priming
b. base rate information
c. belief perseverance
d. controlled thinking