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35 votes
35 votes
Thirty-year-old Kent found a bag containing several thousand dollars in the park. He is discussing with his family whether to give the money to the appropriate authorities or to keep the money.

Explain how each of the following psychological concepts could influence Kent’s decision-making process.

- Prefrontal cortex
- Postconventional moral reasoning
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Evolutionary psychology
- Cognitive dissonance
- Incentive theory
- Groupthink

User Pmcoltrane
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15 votes
15 votes

Answer:

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control. If Kent's prefrontal cortex is functioning properly, he may be more likely to make a logical, rational decision about what to do with the money.

Postconventional moral reasoning refers to an individual's ability to think beyond societal norms and make decisions based on their own personal values and beliefs. If Kent has a strong sense of postconventional moral reasoning, he may be more likely to consider the ethical implications of keeping the money and decide to turn it over to the authorities.

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a lack of empathy and disregard for the rights and feelings of others. If Kent has this disorder, he may be more likely to prioritize his own interests and keep the money, even if it goes against societal norms.

Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans are driven by a desire to survive and reproduce, and may make decisions based on what will benefit them in the long-term. If Kent is influenced by this concept, he may consider how keeping the money could benefit him and his family in the future.

Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that occurs when an individual's beliefs or actions are in conflict with each other. If Kent is struggling with cognitive dissonance, he may feel torn between his desire to keep the money and his sense of morality, leading to a more difficult decision-making process.

Incentive theory suggests that people are motivated by rewards and incentives, and may make decisions based on what will bring them the most pleasure or benefit. If Kent is influenced by this concept, he may weigh the potential rewards of keeping the money against the potential consequences of turning it over to the authorities.

Groupthink is a phenomenon in which a group of people prioritize the desire to maintain harmony and conformity over critical thinking and decision-making. If Kent is discussing the decision with his family and they are all influenced by groupthink, they may be more likely to come to a consensus decision without fully considering all of the options.

User Edmond Quinton
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