Final answer:
The correct answer is option d. the availability heuristic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best explanation for why many people fear that violent crime is increasing despite the fact that it is actually on the decline, or at worst, has leveled off, can be attributed to the availability heuristic. The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias where people evaluate information based on the most easily recalled examples.
In this case, people are constantly exposed to news stories and media coverage of violent crimes, leading them to overestimate the likelihood of being a victim of violent crime.
Despite the statistical evidence showing a decline in violent crime rates, the vivid and dramatic media representations create a skewed perception.