Final answer:
Seth's friend is suggesting a change to Seth's mental set by proposing a more reliable method of predicting weather through modern technology instead of relying on old sayings. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seth's friend is suggesting a change to Seth's mental set. A mental set is a tendency to approach situations in a certain way because that method has worked in the past. It is a kind of cognitive pattern that constitutes a habitual strategy. In Seth's case, checking the dew on the grass as a predictor for rain is an example of relying on traditional beliefs or methods - a practice passed down from his granddad. This old saying or belief may have roots in observational knowledge but does not necessarily stand up to scientific scrutiny.
On the other hand, checking the weather forecast on the phone makes use of modern technology and meteorological science, providing a more reliable method of prediction based on a wealth of collected data analyzed using sophisticated algorithms. This shows the contrast between traditional ways of making decisions, often based on heuristic methods or folklore wisdom, versus modern methods that utilize technology and scientific understanding.
Searching for weather updates online or watching the Weather Channel embraces the vast amount of information available in the social media age. It represents a shift from reliance on inherited wisdom and observational skills to data-driven decision-making. This change reflects the broader societal transition toward valuing scientific evidence and technology in everyday life, including complex activities such as agricultural planning, which used to depend on sources like the Farmer's Almanac. Today's availability of information challenges pre-existing mental sets and encourages reevaluation of longstanding beliefs and practices.