A framing effect multiple choice question is a question designed to reveal how the way information is presented (the "frame") influences a person's choice between options, even when the underlying information is the same. The correct answer to such a question would highlight that choices are influenced by presentation.
Here's a breakdown:
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The Core Concept: The framing effect is a cognitive bias where individuals react to a particular choice in different ways depending on whether it is presented as a loss or as a gain. People tend to avoid risk when a positive frame is presented but seek risks when a negative frame is presented.
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How it Works in Multiple Choice: A framing effect question will offer choices that are essentially equivalent but worded differently. One option might emphasize potential gains, while another emphasizes potential losses. Because of the framing effect, people will often choose differently based solely on the way the options are worded.
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Example Scenario:
Imagine a scenario where a new medical treatment is being considered. A multiple-choice question might present the treatment in two different ways:
- Option A: "This treatment has a 90% survival rate."
- Option B: "This treatment has a 10% mortality rate."
Statistically, both options convey the same information. However, because Option A frames the outcome positively (survival), and Option B frames it negatively (mortality), people are more likely to choose Option A, even though the results are identical. A question testing understanding of the framing effect would include these concepts.
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The Expected Answer: The correct answer in a multiple-choice question about the framing effect would likely be something like:
- "The way in which options are presented influences the selection of option."
- "People make different choices based on how information is framed, even if the underlying facts are the same."
- "Decisions are affected by whether options are presented as gains or losses."
In summary, a framing effect multiple choice question assesses whether someone understands that the presentation of information, rather than the information itself, can significantly impact decision-making.