Question

In which of the following situations would reliance on routine most benefit performance?

a.
when you're performing a task that requires frequent choices and adjustments


b.
when you're performing a task that is familiar and involves few decisions


c.
when you're performing a task for which a routine is available, but the current circumstances are ones in which it would be best to avoid the habitual routine


d.
when you're performing a brand-new, unfamiliar task

Answer 1

Reliance on routine most benefits performance when performing familiar tasks with few decisions. Routines enable efficient, automated execution of tasks, reflecting the concept of heuristics, which are mental shortcuts for easier cognitive processing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b. when you're performing a task that is familiar and involves few decisions. Routine behaviors are beneficial in this context because they allow for efficient and almost automatic execution of the task. These routines, or rules of thumb, are examples of heuristics, which serve as mental shortcuts that facilitate our daily decision-making processes without unnecessary cognitive strain.

Heuristics are particularly effective when the task is easy and does not require constant adjustments or when the environment is stable enough that the routine is not likely to lead to errors or negative outcomes. They enable us to operate on 'autopilot,' saving cognitive resources for tasks that require more intense intellectual engagement, like learning new skills or navigating unfamiliar environments.