Researchers studying decision fatigue found that judges reviewing parole cases were significantly more likely to grant parole at the start of a session or immediately after a meal break, with favorable rulings dropping sharply as the session wore on. The judges themselves, when surveyed, reported high confidence in their consistency throughout the day and were unaware of any pattern related to time or breaks.
Which conclusion most logically follows from the passage?
- A
Judges deliberately ration favorable rulings to maintain perceived fairness
- B
Judges with longer careers are less subject to decision fatigue
- Ccheck_circle
Self-perception of consistency does not always reliably reflect actual decision patterns
- D
Parole boards should require all decisions to be made before lunch
Explanation
The mismatch between objective patterns and judges' confident self-reports supports B. A imputes intent not in the passage; C is a policy leap; D introduces information not given.