Final answer:
Positive illusions are positive views of oneself that are not deeply rooted in reality, often influenced by cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and can lead to misconceptions and discriminatory behavior. They are maintained by illusory correlations, which falsely connect unrelated events or traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive illusions are d. positive views of oneself that are not deeply rooted in reality. These mental constructs contribute to an inflated self-assessment, where individuals see themselves in an overly favorable light. For instance, they might perceive their own physical features as more attractive than they objectively are, leading to a more positive self-image. This phenomenon is also related to cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, where individuals seek out and process information that supports their existing beliefs. While these illusions can be beneficial for self-esteem, they can lead to misconceptions and poor decision-making, such as prejudice and discriminatory behavior.
Illusory correlations contribute to the formation of these positive illusions by establishing false connections between unrelated events or traits. As humans, we often fall prey to these illusions due to our tendency to seek patterns and meaningful relationships, even when none exist. Combating illusory correlations requires a critical evaluation of evidence, an understanding of biases, and a willingness to update our beliefs in light of new, reliable information.