Which statement is an example of a mental model?

A mental model is a framework that helps individuals understand and interpret the world around them. It represents the internal representations, or assumptions we have about how things work, often based on experience and prior knowledge.

The statement “He is from the north side of town. He won't study seriously at all.” reflects a mental model because it shows a generalized assumption about a person's behavior based solely on their geographic background. This model is based on preconceived notions or stereotypes regarding individuals from that area, suggesting that people from the north side of town behave in a particular way. This underscores how mental models can influence perceptions and decisions, even in the absence of concrete evidence.

The other statements, while they may contain elements of generalization or assumption, do not serve as clear-cut examples of mental models in the same manner. For instance, "She always gets good grades; she must study hard" focuses on a specific individual’s performance without implying a broader assumption about a group. Similarly, "Everyone thinks this way; it's normal behavior" is more about societal norms than personal assumptions based on experience. Lastly, "Most kids enjoy sports more than academic activities" indicates a statistical observation rather than a mental model influencing personal judgments or decisions, thus not aligning as clearly with the definition