What cognitive bias is shown when individuals dismiss others' beliefs based solely on their intelligence?

What cognitive bias is shown when individuals dismiss others' beliefs based solely on their intelligence?

• A. Tabloid Thinking
• B. Not Drawing the Line
• C. Prejudice
• D. Inconceivability

Answer: (D)

The cognitive bias that is illustrated when individuals dismiss others' beliefs based solely on their intelligence is known as inconceivability. This bias occurs when a person finds it hard to believe or accept that someone of lower intelligence can hold a belief that they consider valid or reasonable. This dismissal often stems from an over-reliance on intellectual status as a measure of truth or credibility. By assuming that intelligence directly correlates with the validity of beliefs, individuals overlook the complexity of opinion formation, which can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences and emotional perspectives. In this context, the other options do not capture the essence of this specific cognitive bias. While tabloid thinking might relate to sensationalism and superficial judgments, and prejudice often involves preconceived opinions about individuals based on group characteristics rather than personal assessments, they do not specifically address the dismissal of beliefs based solely on intelligence. Not drawing the line pertains to failing to set boundaries on beliefs or opinions but does not directly correlate with the dismissal based on perceived intelligence levels. Thus, inconceivability accurately reflects the bias in question.

The cognitive bias that is illustrated when individuals dismiss others' beliefs based solely on their intelligence is known as inconceivability. This bias occurs when a person finds it hard to believe or accept that someone of lower intelligence can hold a belief that they consider valid or reasonable. This dismissal often stems from an over-reliance on intellectual status as a measure of truth or credibility. By assuming that intelligence directly correlates with the validity of beliefs, individuals overlook the complexity of opinion formation, which can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences and emotional perspectives.

In this context, the other options do not capture the essence of this specific cognitive bias. While tabloid thinking might relate to sensationalism and superficial judgments, and prejudice often involves preconceived opinions about individuals based on group characteristics rather than personal assessments, they do not specifically address the dismissal of beliefs based solely on intelligence. Not drawing the line pertains to failing to set boundaries on beliefs or opinions but does not directly correlate with the dismissal based on perceived intelligence levels. Thus, inconceivability accurately reflects the bias in question.