MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 48: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 48
3. A student is volunteering in a hospital with a stroke center. When asked what he believes is the prevalence of stroke among those greater than 65 years old, the student states that it is probably about 40% even though data analysis indicates that it is significantly lower. What accounts for this error?
- A. Deductive reasoning
- B. Representativeness heuristic
- C. Base rate fallacy
- D. Confirmation bias
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The base rate fallacy occurs when prototypical or stereotypical factors are used for analysis rather than actual data. Because the student is volunteering in a hospital with a stroke center, he sees more patients who have experienced a stroke than would be expected in a hospital without a stroke center. Thus, this experience changes his perception and results in base rate fallacy. Deductive reasoning, choice (A), refers to drawing conclusions by integrating different pieces of evidence. The representativeness heuristic, choice (B), involves categorization and classification based on how well an individual example fits its category. Confirmation bias, choice (D), occurs when a person only seeks information that reinforces his or her opinions.