ASC ASC Decision Making & Group Dynamics

Question 1

Which cognitive bias causes avalanche professionals to underestimate risk because a route has been traveled safely many times before?

Accepted Answer

Familiarity bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Optimism bias

Question 2

The 'heuristic trap' known as social proof most directly affects group decision-making in avalanche terrain by causing members to:

Accepted Answer

Follow others into hazardous terrain without independent assessment

Answer

Overestimate their own skill level

Answer

Underreport observed red flags

Answer

Rely excessively on technology

Question 3

During a pre-trip briefing, the ASC-recommended approach for surfacing dissenting opinions about terrain hazard is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a structured opportunity for any team member to voice concerns without judgment

Answer

Allow the leader to make all decisions unilaterally

Answer

Require unanimous consensus before proceeding

Answer

Defer to the most experienced member automatically

Question 4

Which decision-making framework used in avalanche safety explicitly separates the 'problem recognition' phase from the 'solution selection' phase to reduce cognitive errors?

Accepted Answer

3×3 Filter method

Answer

STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan)

Answer

DECIDE model

Answer

RED (Recognize, Evaluate, Decide)

Question 5

A guide notices that clients are eager to ski a steep slope after seeing fresh tracks. The guide's primary obligation under ASC standards is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct an independent hazard assessment regardless of client pressure

Answer

Defer to client preference since they have paid for the experience

Answer

Allow a test skier to evaluate the slope before group travel

Answer

Contact a senior guide before making any decision

Question 6

In group travel through avalanche terrain, the concept of 'one at a time' exposure management primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Limit the number of people exposed to hazard at any given moment

Answer

Speed up overall group travel time

Answer

Ensure the guide maintains visual contact with all clients

Answer

Reduce fatigue by allowing rest intervals