233k views
3 votes
Which of the following describes skepticism about one thing causing​ another?

A. Confirmation bias
B. Illusory correlation
C. Representativeness
D. Availability

User Kaqqao
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

The skepticism about one thing causing another is described by illusory correlation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Skepticism about one thing causing another is often the result of recognizing an illusory correlation. This occurs when we perceive a relationship between two variables that statistically does not exist. Confirmation bias contributes to this misunderstanding as it is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, which can include falsely linking two unrelated events. Our brain tends to focus on information that supports our existing beliefs, and in this way, illusory correlations can lead to the formation of stereotypes and superstitious beliefs.

It is important to not confuse this with the availability heuristic, another bias where judgments are made based on the most easily recalled information, which may not accurately represent reality. The representativeness bias involves stereotyping, and hindsight bias is a belief in the predictability of past events. Neither of these directly accounts for the skepticism of causation.

Therefore, the skeptical questioning of one event causing another is typically associated with the understanding of illusory correlations and the influence of confirmation bias in interpreting events and data incorrectly, leading to the assumption of cause where none exists.

User NotThatKindODr
by
7.6k points