Question

Based on availability bias, Steve would most likely fear which of these hazards the most on his beach trip in Africa?

-Skin cancer from the well-established risk from sun exposure.
-A civil war happening on the other side of the continent that he heard about on the news last year. (X)
-An attack from a shark while swimming after watching the movie "Jaws" during his first night at the hotel.
-Malaria, due to its prevalence on the continent.

Answer 1

Steve would most likely fear a shark attack while swimming, due to availability bias influenced by a recent viewing of the movie 'Jaws'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on availability bias, Steve would most likely fear an attack from a shark while swimming after watching the movie "Jaws" during his first night at the hotel. Availability bias is a cognitive bias where people judge the frequency of events by how easily examples come to mind, which in this case, is heightened by a recent encounter with a film about shark attacks.

While skin cancer from sun exposure is a well-established risk, and Malaria is prevalent on the continent, these risks are less sensational and therefore might not be as readily exaggerated in Steve's mind. The distant civil war, though serious, is less likely to elicit fear due to its relative remoteness and the lack of immediate personal experience. Furthermore, the intense emotions associated with watching a thrilling movie like "Jaws" can exaggerate perceptions of the likelihood of such an event occurring to oneself.