AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -We humans have a tendency to give more importance to negative experiences than to positive or neutral experiences. This is called the negativity bias. We even tend to focus on the negative even when the negative experiences are insignificant or inconsequential.

Detailed explanation-2: -What Is Negativity Bias? Negativity bias refers to our proclivity to “attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information” (Vaish, Grossmann, & Woodward, 2008, p. 383).

Detailed explanation-3: -What do you think you will remember more vividly about the hike: the snake you encountered or the beautiful scenery along the way? Most people will remember the rattlesnake incident better, because negative experiences tend to affect them much more than positive ones. This phenomenon is an example of negativity bias.

Detailed explanation-4: -The human brain has a natural tendency to give weight to (and remember) negative experiences or interactions more than positive ones-they stand out more. Psychologists refer to this as negativity bias. “Our brains are wired to scout for the bad stuff” and fixate on the threat, says psychologist and author Rick Hanson.