2026年真题08

Listen to part of a psychology podcast. My brother Alex has always wanted to get a cat. He likes cats better than dogs. One day he sent me an online article titled Which Pet is Right for You and says see, even experts agree cats are better. But when I read the article, nowhere did it say that. The article presents balanced facts. Dogs are loyal and trainable while cats are independent and low maintenance. My brother was not being dishonest, he simply focused only on the parts that preys cats and skimmed over or dismissed the parts that highlight dogs advantages. This is called confirmation bias. Our brains are lazy. They like consistency. Information that aligns with what we already know is easier to understand and less mentally taxing. So our brains seek it out and filter out the rest. This affects the decisions we make in our daily life as well as in work. Scientists are not immune to confirmation bias. Researchers may unintentionally design experiments or interpret data in ways that support their hypotheses, overlooking results that do not fit their expectations. Flawed conclusions in scientific studies can lead to serious consequences. So what can we do to minimize confirmation bias? The first step is to recognize the existence of confirmation bias. Know that you might be biased. Then actively seek out information that challenges your beliefs. Don't only talk with people who hold the same views as yours and slow down. Don't make hasty decisions.

Listen to a talk in a psychology class. Have you ever wondered why certain songs evoke strong emotions or memories? This phenomenon is rooted in the field of music psychology, which examines how music impacts our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Research indicates that music can trigger a range of emotional responses through its rhythm, melody, and lyrics. For example, upbeat songs often make us feel happy and energetic. On the other hand, slow, melancholic tunes can evoke sadness or nostalgia. But why does this happen? One theory suggests that music stimulates the brain's reward system. That is, it releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. In addition, music is often intertwined with personal experiences. Hearing a song that played during a significant life event can bring back vivid memories and the emotions associated with them. I should point out, though, the individual responses to music can vary greatly. Idiosyncratic factors that play a role in how we perceive and react to different types of music include cultural background, personality, and the context in which we hear the song. Now, this effect that music has on emotional well-being is the basis for music therapy, which has been useful in treating a variety of psychological conditions like stress or anxiety. By leveraging music's emotional power, music therapists can help patients reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. More research is needed, but our growing understanding of music psychology points to its even greater benefits for mental health and emotional regulation in the future.

Listen to a talk in an anthropology class. Previously, we discussed the significance of pottery to ancient cultures, including pottery as an art form and pottery's crucial role in trade. Today, we'll focus on the development of pottery over time. 1 breakthrough was the invention of the Potter's wheel around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Before this, pottery was shaped mostly by hand, which was slow and produced less uniform results. The Potter's wheel allowed artisans to spin and shape the clay more quickly and evenly, making it possible to create symmetrical vessels with greater precision and speed. Firing technology also advanced. Early pots were fired in open pits, which limited temperature control, resulting in uneven or fragile pots. So kilns were developed enclosed ovens that could reach higher and more consistent temperatures. These allowed for stronger, more durable pottery. Another advance was the updraft kiln, which directed heat upward through the chamber. By adjusting the airflow, Potters could control how much oxygen reached the fire. This helped them produce pottery with specific colors, like red or black, depending on how the clay reacted to the firing atmosphere. Then, in ancient China, Potters developed kilns that could reach very high temperatures. This allowed them to create stoneware and eventually porcelain. Porcelain is made from a special mix of fine clay and minerals and must be fired at temperatures above 1200°C. The result is a smooth white ceramic that is strong, lightweight, and slightly translucent. Porcelain was a major breakthrough because it was more durable and versatile than earlier pottery.

Listen to a talk in a business class. Let's discuss the role of startup incubators in supporting new businesses. These are programs designed to help startups navigate the early stages of development and increase their chances of success by providing resources, mentorship, and networking. What resources might a new business lack? Incubators often provide office space and equipment to help start-ups get off the ground, and they also steer new businesses toward funding opportunities. Many new entrepreneurs will lack the financial means to invest in basic necessities themselves, and this support can be invaluable. Another important element of incubators is mentorship. Experienced professionals and industry experts offer guidance and advice to start up founders. Starting a business is full of pitfalls, and a good mentor can help you avoid some of the more common ones, not to mention refine your business strategies. Networking opportunities are another significant benefit of incubators. What does a new enterprise need more than anything else? Investors. Being part of an incubator program allows you to connect with potential investors, other entrepreneurs, and future business partners. Now, participating in an incubator is not without its challenges. There's a lot of competition to get into some of these programs, so not all startups are accepted. Once you've been accepted, the pressure to perform and meet milestones can be intense, and failure to do so can lose you the support of the incubator. That said, the benefits can be substantial. Incubators provide a supportive environment that fosters innovation and helps startups overcome the hurdles of early stage development.