TOEFL Listening – Academic Talk (Topic 1): Psychology & Behavior (Part 3)
Passage 1: Perception and Expectations
Academic Talk Script:
Perception is often assumed to be a direct reflection of reality, but psychologists argue that what we perceive is strongly shaped by expectations. When people encounter new information, their brains rely on prior experiences to interpret what they see or hear. This process allows the brain to work efficiently, but it can also lead to errors.
For example, when listeners expect to hear a certain word in a sentence, they may believe they heard it even if the speaker said something different. This happens because the brain fills in missing or unclear information based on context.
Expectations also influence visual perception. Studies show that people are more likely to notice details that confirm their beliefs and overlook information that contradicts them. While this tendency helps individuals make quick judgments, it can reduce accuracy.
Psychologists emphasize that understanding the role of expectations in perception can help people become more aware of their own biases. By questioning initial impressions and seeking additional information, individuals can improve the accuracy of their perceptions.
Questions – Passage 1
1. What is the main idea of the talk?
A. Perception is always unreliable
B. Expectations influence how people perceive information
C. The brain cannot process information efficiently
D. Visual perception is more accurate than auditory perception
Answer: B
Explanation: The talk focuses on how expectations shape perception.
2. Why does the speaker mention hearing the wrong word?
A. To explain memory loss
B. To illustrate expectation-based perception
C. To compare listening and reading
D. To describe language disorders
Answer: B
Explanation: The example shows how expectations can alter what people believe they hear.
3. According to the speaker, what is one disadvantage of relying on expectations?
A. Slower decision-making
B. Increased mental effort
C. Reduced accuracy
D. Lower confidence
Answer: C
Explanation: Expectations can cause people to overlook contradictory information.
4. What can be inferred about improving perception?
A. It requires ignoring past experiences
B. It involves questioning first impressions
C. It depends mainly on intelligence
D. It happens automatically with age
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker suggests being aware of bias and seeking more information.
Passage 2: Decision-Making and Cognitive Bias
Academic Talk Script:
Decision-making is often thought of as a rational process, but psychologists have found that many decisions are influenced by cognitive biases. These biases are systematic patterns of thinking that affect judgment, often without conscious awareness.
One common bias is the confirmation bias, which occurs when people seek out information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring opposing evidence. For example, individuals researching a topic online may focus on sources that agree with their opinions.
Another bias is the availability bias, where people judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind. Dramatic news stories can make rare events seem more common than they actually are.
While cognitive biases can lead to flawed decisions, they also help the brain process information quickly in complex situations. Psychologists suggest that recognizing these biases can help individuals slow down, evaluate evidence more carefully, and make more balanced decisions.
Questions – Passage 2
5. What is the talk mainly about?
A. Emotional decision-making
B. The role of logic in decisions
C. Cognitive biases in decision-making
D. Online information reliability
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker explains different cognitive biases and their effects.
6. Why does the speaker mention online research?
A. To criticize Internet use
B. To illustrate confirmation bias
C. To explain availability bias
D. To discuss misinformation
Answer: B
Explanation: Online research is used to show how people favor information that confirms beliefs.
7. According to the speaker, why do dramatic news stories affect judgment?
A. They are emotionally upsetting
B. They are frequently inaccurate
C. They are easy to remember
D. They provide strong evidence
Answer: C
Explanation: Availability bias depends on how easily examples come to mind.
8. What can be inferred about cognitive biases?
A. They always lead to poor decisions
B. They can be useful in some situations
C. They affect only uneducated people
D. They are easy to eliminate
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker notes that biases help quick processing despite potential errors.
Passage 3: Social Influence and Behavior
Academic Talk Script :
Human behavior is strongly influenced by social factors. Psychologists study social influence to understand how individuals’ actions and opinions are shaped by the presence of others. One well-known form of social influence is conformity, where people adjust their behavior to match group norms.
Conformity does not always occur because individuals agree with the group. In many cases, people conform to avoid social rejection or discomfort. This explains why individuals may publicly support opinions they privately disagree with.
Social influence can be beneficial when it encourages cooperation and shared standards. However, it can also discourage independent thinking, especially in group decision-making. Research shows that groups may overlook better solutions when members hesitate to express dissenting views.
Psychologists suggest that awareness of social influence allows individuals to balance group harmony with critical thinking. Encouraging open discussion and valuing diverse perspectives can reduce negative effects while maintaining social cohesion.
Questions – Passage 3
9. What is the main purpose of the talk?
A. To criticize group behavior
B. To explain how social influence affects behavior
C. To describe personality differences
D. To discuss leadership styles
Answer: B
Explanation: The speaker explains conformity and its effects on behavior.
10. Why does the speaker mention people agreeing publicly but not privately?
A. To show dishonesty
B. To illustrate conformity
C. To explain persuasion
D. To describe peer pressure in schools
Answer: B
Explanation: This example demonstrates how conformity works.
11. According to the speaker, what is one risk of social influence?
A. Increased conflict
B. Reduced cooperation
C. Lack of independent thinking
D. Emotional instability
Answer: C
Explanation: Group pressure can discourage individuals from sharing different ideas.
12. What can be inferred about reducing negative effects of conformity?
A. Groups should avoid discussion
B. Leaders should make decisions alone
C. Encouraging diverse opinions is helpful
D. Conformity cannot be changed
Answer: C
Explanation: The speaker suggests open discussion and valuing diverse perspectives.
