University students were asked to figure out the rule used to devise the three-number sequence 2-4-6. After generating sets of three numbers to learn whether their sets met the rule,they typically convinced themselves of the wrong rule. Their errors best illustrated the impact of

A) the representativeness heuristic.
B) the availability heuristic.
C) the framing effect.
D) confirmation bias.

Representativeness Heuristic

A cognitive shortcut that involves making judgments about the probability of an event under uncertainty, based on how much it resembles the typical case.

Three-Number Sequence

A specific arrangement of three numbers that follows a particular rule or pattern, often used in cognitive and psychological testing.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.