Sample interview questions: Have you ever conducted research on the effects of stress on human decision-making? If yes, what were your findings?
Sample answer:
Yes, I have conducted extensive research on the effects of stress on human decision-making. My findings have revealed that stress can have a significant impact on our cognitive processes, ultimately affecting our decision-making abilities.
When individuals are exposed to high levels of stress, their ability to make rational and logical decisions may become compromised. Stress can impair several cognitive functions, including attention, working memory, and problem-solving skills. This impairment occurs due to the activation of the body’s stress response system, which triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol.
One of the key effects of stress on decision-making is the narrowing of attention. Under stressful conditions, individuals tend to focus more on immediate threats or negative stimuli, neglecting other relevant information. This narrowed attention can lead to biased decision-making, as important details may be overlooked or disregarded.
Furthermore, stress can impair working memory, which is crucial for holding and manipulating information during decision-making processes. High levels of stress have been found to decrease working memory capacity, making it more challenging to consider multiple options, evaluate consequences, and weigh pros and cons effectively. Consequently, individuals may resort to making impulsive or suboptimal decisions under stress.
Another significant finding from my research is that stress can influence risk perception and risk-taking behavior. When individuals a… Read full answer
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