Problem solving is an ability that humans have that is so refined that separates us from other species. Our process to critically think and solve situations helps us in everyday situations and in even more dire situations. However, this skill can make us miss important information. Previously, many studies that have been done have shown that base rate information is affected with diagnostic information being present. During this experiment, we will also try to replicate the results that previous studies have done in that people will not use logic when presented with diagnostic information The results did show a main effect interaction of the base rate. This finding gives more validity to the studies that have been done.
Diagnostic …show more content…
The questionnaire gave a judgment task where the participant had to decide the probability of a randomly selected professional to be a lawyer or an engineer (See Appendix A). The question was designed to see how the participant’s judgment changed when given diagnostic information versus base rate information. In one of the examples, the base rate information given was that out of 150 professionals, 105 were engineers and 45 were lawyers. The question then gave a description of a person who sounded neither particularly like a lawyer nor an engineer. This diagnostic information did not help the participant decide the probability. Variants of this question were given and shown in the …show more content…
Showing there was a statistically significant interaction between when there was a description and when there was not one. The main effect of the base rate was F(1,394) = 120.22 p < .001, (As shown in figure 1), however the effect of the diagnostic information was statistically significant, given the data that says, f (1, 394) = 7.964, p = .005.
Discussion
Based on the data collected, we can infer that humans as a species are not as rational as we thought we are. Despite all of our instincts, we choose to no follow prescripted rules if there is diagnostic information present. People’s judgment is affected by the base rate but the base rate can be manipulated because of diagnostic information.
There could be many reasons as to why people choose to disregard base information. One such example is that because of the diagnostic information given, it fits a stereotype that specific participant had to make them chose an engineer or lawyer. The participant will disregard the base rate information because the stereotype is more of an intuitive source of information (Pennycook, Fugelsang, & Koehler, 2015). Even though there are strict rules in place that should point out an answer, it is in our nature to look at information and use it even if it is not
Diagnostic …show more content…
The questionnaire gave a judgment task where the participant had to decide the probability of a randomly selected professional to be a lawyer or an engineer (See Appendix A). The question was designed to see how the participant’s judgment changed when given diagnostic information versus base rate information. In one of the examples, the base rate information given was that out of 150 professionals, 105 were engineers and 45 were lawyers. The question then gave a description of a person who sounded neither particularly like a lawyer nor an engineer. This diagnostic information did not help the participant decide the probability. Variants of this question were given and shown in the …show more content…
Showing there was a statistically significant interaction between when there was a description and when there was not one. The main effect of the base rate was F(1,394) = 120.22 p < .001, (As shown in figure 1), however the effect of the diagnostic information was statistically significant, given the data that says, f (1, 394) = 7.964, p = .005.
Discussion
Based on the data collected, we can infer that humans as a species are not as rational as we thought we are. Despite all of our instincts, we choose to no follow prescripted rules if there is diagnostic information present. People’s judgment is affected by the base rate but the base rate can be manipulated because of diagnostic information.
There could be many reasons as to why people choose to disregard base information. One such example is that because of the diagnostic information given, it fits a stereotype that specific participant had to make them chose an engineer or lawyer. The participant will disregard the base rate information because the stereotype is more of an intuitive source of information (Pennycook, Fugelsang, & Koehler, 2015). Even though there are strict rules in place that should point out an answer, it is in our nature to look at information and use it even if it is not