Why You Shouldn't Always Trust Your Gut | The First Instinct Fallacy

The video explores the 'first instinct fallacy,' the belief that one's initial answer is usually correct. Research shows that changing answers on tests often leads to correct answers more than sticking with the first choice. Emotional reactions to mistakes can skew memory, making us overestimate the frequency of regrettable outcomes. Strategies for effective answer switching include understanding the reasons for switching and using feedback to improve decision-making.

What did the 2005 research on multiple-choice exams reveal about changing answers?

• Most changes had no effect on the outcome.

• Most changes were from wrong to right.

• Most changes were from right to wrong.

• Most changes were from wrong to wrong.

What is the first instinct fallacy?

• The belief that changing your answer is always beneficial.

• The belief that your first answer is always wrong.

• The belief that sticking to your first answer is usually correct.

• The belief that guessing is better than reasoning.

How does the availability heuristic affect our memory of test answers?

• It makes us overestimate the frequency of regrettable outcomes.

• It makes us remember all answers equally.

• It causes us to forget our initial answers.

• It helps us remember only the correct answers.

What should you consider when deciding to change an answer on a test?

• All of the above.

• Whether you feel confident about the new answer.

• Whether your first answer was a guess.

• Whether you misread the question or found a clue.

How can teachers assist students in overcoming the first instinct fallacy?

• By allowing no time for review.

• By encouraging them to always stick with their first answer.

• By discouraging any changes to answers.

• By providing feedback on answer changes during pretests.