Text 1: Cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Chen studies decision fatigue. "Willpower depletes with use," Chen explains. "Multiple decisions exhaust mental resources, leading to poor choices later. Simplifying daily decisions preserves cognitive capacity for important matters."
Text 2: Researcher Dr. Paul Adams questions the depletion model. "Recent studies fail to replicate willpower depletion," Adams reports. "Beliefs about fatigue may matter more than actual cognitive limits. Expecting to tire can become a self-fulfilling prophecy."
How does Adams's research challenge Chen's conclusions?
By arguing decisions have no cognitive component
By suggesting the perceived depletion may be belief-driven rather than resource-based
By claiming fatigue never affects human behavior
By proposing that willpower is unlimited for everyone
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Adams suggests "beliefs about fatigue" drive effects Chen attributes to actual resource depletion. The challenge is about mechanism—belief vs. genuine cognitive limits.
- Evidence: Adams: "Expecting to tire can become self-fulfilling prophecy."
- Reasoning: Same observed effect, different explanation.
- Conclusion: Adams offers a psychological alternative to Chen's resource model.
Choice A is incorrect because Adams doesn't deny cognitive involvement. Choice C is incorrect because Adams discusses how beliefs about fatigue operate. Choice D is incorrect because Adams doesn't claim unlimited capacity.