Set 1 AP Lang Vocab

bandwagon effect

the tendency to make decisions on the basis of the majority opinion

clustering illusion

the tendency to perceive patterns where no pattern exists

confirmation bias

the tendency to view information in a way that validates our existing opinions and beliefs

framing bias

when an individual presents two options that are described in different terms

gambler’s fallacy

the tendency to believe that the results of a random event will affect the probability of future outcomes

halo effect

the tendency to attribute multiple desirable traits to an individual after being exposed to a person who has one positive quality

illusory superiority

the tendency to view oneself as superior to others

self-serving bias

the tendency to claim an undue amount of credit for a positive situation or an inadequate amount of blame for a negative condition

syllogism

a deductive argument composed of two premises (major and minor) and a conclusion in which the conclusion is a logical consequence of the premises

wishful thinking

the tendency to form conclusions based on idealized imagined outcomes rather than objectively examining the evidence at hand

bandwagon effect

a student begins supporting a candidate largely because nearly everyone in their class already supports them

clustering illusion

after noticing several left-handed batters succeed consecutively, a coach concludes that left-handed hitters are unusually likely to succeed, despite the sequence being random

confirmation bias

convinced that a class is unfairly graded, a student remembers every harsh grade but dismisses the generous ones as exceptions

framing bias

shoopers are more willing to buy a treatment describes as having a 90% survival rate than one describes as having a 10% mortality rate

gambler’s fallacy

after a coin lands heads six times, someone predicts tails is now more likely because the coin is “due” for a change

halo effect

a teacher assumes a consistently well-dressed student is also more intelligent and responsible, despite having no evidence of either

Illusory superiority

most drivers in a survey rate their driving as aboce average, even though mathematically only half can be above the median

syllogism

all mammals are warm-blooded. Whals are mammals. Therefore, whales are warm-blooded

self-serving bias

a student attributes a high exam score to their intelligence but blames a low score on an unfair test

wishful thinking

despite repeated evidence that the team is unlikely to qualify, a fan insists tey will make the playoffs because “it has to happen”