What psychological concept is illustrated by the conjunction fallacy?

Study for the UVA Social Psychology exam. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions that provide hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your test!

The conjunction fallacy occurs when people mistakenly believe that specific conditions are more probable than a general condition. This fallacy is highlighted in the context of probability where individuals tend to think that a detailed scenario is more likely than a broader, less detailed one. For example, if given the description of a woman who is perceived as active in social causes, many may erroneously conclude that it is more likely she is both a bank teller and a feminist, rather than just a bank teller, despite the logical structure of probabilities indicating that the more detailed scenario must be less likely.

Choosing the belief that more details lead to increased probability captures the essence of this fallacy, as it illustrates how additional descriptors can skew perceptions of likelihood, even when basic probability principles indicate this shouldn't be the case. This choice reflects the cognitive bias involved in the conjunction fallacy, where the allure of a specific and detailed story distracts from logical reasoning.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the essence of the conjunction fallacy. While they touch on different aspects of probability and perception, they do not directly address the crucial error of assuming that descriptions with more complexity are more probable.

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