Niels Skovgaard Olsen
#1
Scenario:
Mark has just arrived home from work and there will shortly be a great movie on television
to which he has been looking forward. Mark is quite excited because he recently bought a
new TV with a large screen. He has a longing for popcorn, but his wife has probably eaten
the last they had while he was gone.
H: Mark presses the power button on his TV.
H: Mark is going to turn on the TV.
L: Mark is going to pull the plug on his TV.
L: Mark is going to turn off the TV.
L: The sales clerk in the local supermarket presses the power button on Mark’s TV.
L: The TV will be turned off.
H: The TV will be turned on.
H: Mark looks for popcorn.
L: Mark refuses to look for popcorn.
L: Mark will be having popcorn.
H: Mark is wearing socks.
H: The TV is working.
L: Mark is wearing a dress.
L: The TV is malfunctioning.
L: Mark has made an appointment with the repairman.
PO, HH: ‘If Mark presses the power button on his TV, then the TV will be turned on.’
PO, LH: ‘If the sales clerk in the local supermarket presses the power button on Mark’s TV,
then it will be turned on.’
PO, LL: ‘If Mark pulls the plug on his TV, then it will be turned off.’
PO, HL: ‘If Mark looks for popcorn, then he will be having popcorn.’
NE, LH: ‘If Mark pulls the plug on his TV, then it will be turned on.’
NE, HL: ‘If Mark presses the power button on his TV, then it will be turned off.’
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
NE, LL: ‘If Mark refuses to look for popcorn, then he will be having popcorn.’
NE, HH: ‘If Mark lacks an appointment with the repairman, then his TV will be working.’
IR, HH: ‘If Mark is wearing socks, then his TV will be working.’
IR, HL: ‘If Mark is wearing socks, then the TV will be malfunctioning.’
IR, LL: ‘If Mark is wearing a dress, then the TV will be malfunctioning.’
IR, LH: ‘If Mark is wearing a dress, then his TV will be working.’
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: There is black plastic on the TV.
L: The TV is coloured in pink.
IR, HH: If there is black plastic on the TV, then it will be working.
IR, HL: If there is black plastic on the TV, then it will be malfunctioning.
IR, LL: If the TV is coloured in pink, then it will be malfunctioning.
IR, LH: If the TV is coloured in pink, then it will be working.
#2
Scenario:
Lucas is writing an essay on his computer and wants to continue until he is finished. He
probably started far too late on it to meet the deadline, but he hopes that his professor will
accept his essay anyway.
H: Lucas acts as he has set out to.
H: Lucas is going to finish his essay.
L: Lucas’ professor does most of the work for him.
L: Lucas will lay down the work to do something else.
H: Lucas works as hard as he can.
L: Lucas’ essay will be left unfinished.
L: Lucas fails to finish his essay.
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H: Lucas’ professor is employed by the university that Lucas is attending.
L: Lucas’ professor delivers newspapers for a living.
L: Lucas will meet the deadline.
PO, HH: If Lucas acts as he has set out to, then he will finish his essay.
PO, LH: If Lucas’ professor does most of the work for him, then Lucas will finish his essay.
PO, LL: If Lucas’ professor does most of the work for him, then Lucas will lay down the
work to do something else.
PO, HL: If Lucas works as hard as he can, then he will meet the deadline.
NE, LH: If Lucas’ professor does most of the work for him, then Lucas will work as hard as
he can.
NE, HL: If Lucas works as hard as he can, then he will fail to finish his essay.
NE, LL: If Lucas’ professor does most of the work for him, then Lucas’ essay will be left
unfinished.
NE, HH: If Lucas works as hard as he can, then he will be unable to meet the deadline.
IR, HH: If Lucas’ professor is employed by the university that Lucas is attending, then
Lucas will finish his essay.
IR, HL: If Lucas’ professor is employed by the university that Lucas is attending, then Lucas
will fail to finish his essay.
IR, LL: If Lucas’ professor delivers newspapers for a living, then Lucas will fail to finish his
essay.
IR, LH: If Lucas’ professor delivers newspapers for a living, then Lucas will finish his essay.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Lucas’ essay is written with black letters.
L: Lucas’ essay is written with purple letters.
IR, HH: If Lucas’ essay is written with black letters, then Lucas will finish his essay.
IR, HL: If Lucas’ essay is written with black letters, then Lucas will fail to finish his essay.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
IR, LL: If Lucas’ essay is written with purple letters, then Lucas will fail to finish his essay.
IR, LH: If Lucas’ essay is written with purple letters, then Lucas will finish his essay.
#3
Scenario:
John has a thing for Lisa and has already made a good impression on her. Now he is looking
for a proper present that will make her go on a date with him. Lisa finds that John’s
drawings are quite untalented. Yet, he doesn’t realise it, so he will probably make her a card
with one of his drawings. However, this will probably not be decisive as she loves to receive
presents and favours those who give them to her.
H: John gives Lisa flowers.
L: John gives Lisa an empty bottle of beer.
L: John gives Lisa a 10-carat diamond ring.
H: John’s neighbour prefers to use a spoon to eat soup.
L: John’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup.
L: Lisa will reject John.
H: Lisa will go on a date with John.
H: John gives one of his drawings as a card.
PO, HH: If John gives Lisa flowers, then she will go on a date with him.
PO, LH: If John gives Lisa a 10-carat diamond ring, then she will go on a date with him.
PO, LL: If John gives Lisa an empty bottle of beer, then she will reject him.
PO, HL: If John uses one of his drawings as a card, then Lisa will reject him.
NE, LH: If John gives Lisa an empty bottle of beer, then she will go out on a date with him.
NE, HL: If John gives Lisa flowers, then she will reject him.
NE, LL: If John gives Lisa a 10-carat diamond ring, then she will reject him.
NE, HH: If John uses one of his drawings as a card, then Lisa will go out on a date with him.
IR, HH: If John’s neighbour prefers to use a spoon to eat soup, then Lisa will go on a date
with him.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
IR, HL: If John’s neighbour prefers to use a spoon to eat soup, then Lisa will reject him.
IR, LL: If John’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup, then Lisa will reject John.
IR, LH: If John’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup, then Lisa will go on a date
with John.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: John receives a receipt for Lisa’s present.
L: John uses a bag of coins to pay for Lisa’s present.
IR, HH: If John receives a receipt for Lisa’s present, then Lisa will go on a date with him.
IR, HL: If John receives a receipt for Lisa’s present, then Lisa will reject him.
IR, LL: If John uses a bag of coins to pay for Lisa’s present, then Lisa will reject him.
IR, LH: If John uses a bag of coins to pay for Lisa’s present, then Lisa will go on a date with
him.
#4
Scenario:
Lucy wants to bake a cake that is to be served immediately afterwards in the garden while it
is still warm. She is nervous about how it is going to go, because she is trying out a new
recipe and the cake is very complicated.
H: Lucy puts the cake into a preheated oven.
H: The cake will be baked in less than two hours.
L: The cake will shortly be in the process of freezing.
L: Lucy puts the cake into a freezer.
H: Lucy follows the recipe.
L: Lucy puts the cake on a preheated grill.
L: Lucy finds it unchallenging to bake the cake.
H: Lucy finds it challenging to bake the cake.
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H: Lucy prefers to wash her face with soap.
L: Lucy prefers to use honey for her daily face wash.
PO, HH: ‘If Lucy puts the cake into a preheated oven, then it will be baked in less than two
hours.’
PO, LH: ‘If Lucy puts the cake on a preheated grill, then it will be baked in less than two
hours.’
PO, LL: ‘If Lucy puts the cake into a freezer, then it will shortly be in the process of
freezing.’
PO, HL: ‘If Lucy follows the recipe, then she will find it unchallenging to bake the cake.’
NE, LH: ‘If Lucy puts the cake into a freezer, then it will be baked in less than two hours.’
NE, HL: ‘If Lucy puts the cake into a preheated oven, then it will shortly be in the process of
freezing.’
NE, LL: ‘If Lucy puts the cake on a preheated grill, then it will shortly be in the process of
freezing.’
NE, HH: ‘If Lucy follows the recipe, then she will find it challenging to bake the cake.’
IR, HH: ‘If Lucy prefers to wash her face with soap, then the cake will be baked in less than
two hours.’
IR, HL: ‘If Lucy prefers to wash her face with soap, then the cake will shortly be in the
process of freezing.’
IR, LL: ‘If Lucy prefers to use honey for her daily face wash, then the cake will shortly be in
the process of freezing.’
IR, LH: ‘If Lucy prefers to use honey for her daily face wash, then the cake will be baked in
less than two hours.’
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: There is a glass window in Lucy’s oven.
L: Lucy’s oven is decorated with gold engravings.
IR, HH: If there is a glass window in Lucy’s oven, then the cake will be baked in less than
two hours.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
IR, HL: If there is a glass window in Lucy’s oven, then the cake will shortly be in the
process of freezing.
IR, LL: If Lucy’s oven is decorated with gold engravings, then the cake will shortly be in the
process of freezing.
IR, LH: If Lucy’s oven is decorated with gold engravings, then the cake will be baked in less
than two hours.
#5
Scenario:
Paul is driving on a straight road with hardly any traffic ahead. He is on his way to work in
an investment bank and is running late. At this point the drive will take about one hour and
he is supposed to arrive in 40 minutes.
L: Paul’s car will slow down.
L: Paul pushes down the brake pedal.
H: Paul’s car will speed up.
H: Paul pushes down the gas pedal.
H: Paul drives fast.
L: Paul pulls the handbrake.
L: Paul drives slowly.
H: Paul will be late for work.
L: Paul will be there in time for work.
L: Paul’s car suddenly breaks down.
H: Paul’s car will function normally.
H: Paul is wearing a shirt.
L: Paul is wearing shorts.
PO, HH: ‘If Paul pushes down the gas pedal, then the car will speed up.’
PO, LH: ‘If Paul’s car suddenly breaks down, then he will be late for work.’
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
PO, LL: ‘If Paul pushes down the brake pedal, then the car will slow down.’
PO, HL: ‘If Paul drives fast, then he will be there in time for work.’
NE, HL: ‘If Paul pushes down the gas pedal, then the car will slow down.’
NE, LH: ‘If Paul pushes down the brake pedal, then the car will speed up.’
NE, LL: ‘If Paul drives slowly, then he will be there in time for work.’
NE, HH: ‘If Paul’s car is functioning normally, then he will be late for work.’
IR, HH: ‘If Paul is wearing a shirt, then his car will function normally.’
IR, HL: ‘If Paul is wearing a shirt, then his car will suddenly break down.’
IR, LL: ‘If Paul is wearing shorts, then his car will suddenly break down.’
IR, LH: ‘If Paul is wearing shorts, then his car will function normally.’
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Paul’s steering wheel is coloured black.
L: Paul’s steering wheel is covered with leopard colours.
IR, HH: ‘If Paul’s steering wheel is coloured black, then his car will function normally.’
IR, HL: ‘If Paul’s steering wheel is coloured black, then his car will suddenly break down.’
IR, LL: ‘If Paul’s steering wheel is covered with leopard colours, then his car will suddenly
break down.’
IR, LH: ‘If Paul’s steering wheel is covered with leopard colours, then his car will function
normally.’
#6
Scenario:
Linda, Jim, and Brian are going to an expensive dance club later. Before they do, they are
meeting at Linda’s apartment to get themselves into a party mood. However, Jim rarely
participates in the dancing.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
H: Linda, Jim, and Brian are drinking alcohol before going to the club.
L: Linda, Jim, and Brian are having a cup of tea before going to the club.
L: Jim is going to dance at the club.
H: Linda, Jim, and Brian will get drunk before they reach the club.
L: Linda, Jim, and Brian inject alcohol directly into their veins.
H: Linda, Jim, and Brian refuse to inject alcohol directly into their veins.
H: Linda, Jim, and Brian are listening to music.
H: Linda, Jim, and Brian will get drunk tonight.
L: The dance club is closed tonight.
H: The dance club is open tonight.
L: Linda, Jim, and Brian will stay home tonight.
H: Brian prefers to eat French fries with ketchup.
L: Brian prefers to eat French fries with marmalade.
PO, HH: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian are drinking alcohol before going to the club, then they
will get drunk before they reach the club.’
PO, LH: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian inject alcohol directly into their veins, then they will get
drunk tonight.’
PO, LL: ‘If the dance club is closed, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will stay home tonight.’
PO, HL: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian get drunk, then Jim will participate in the dancing.’
NE, LH: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian are having a cup of tea before going to the club, then they
will get drunk before they reach the club.’
NE, HL: ‘If the dance club is open, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will stay home tonight.’
NE, LL: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian stay sober, then Jim will participate in the dancing.’
NE, HH: ‘If Linda, Jim, and Brian refuse to inject alcohol directly into their veins, then they
will get drunk tonight.’
IR, HH: ‘If Brian prefers to eat French fries with ketchup, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
get drunk before they reach the club.’
IR, HL: ‘If Brian prefers to eat French fries with ketchup, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
stay home tonight.’
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
IR, LL: ‘If Brian prefers to eat French fries with marmalade, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
stay home tonight.’
IR, LH: ‘If Brian prefers to eat French fries with marmalade, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
get drunk before they reach the club.’
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Linda’s drinking cups are made of glass.
L: Linda’s drinking cups are made of edible material.
IR, HH: If Linda’s drinking cups are made of glass, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will get
drunk before they reach the club.
IR, HL: If Linda’s drinking cups are made of glass, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will stay
home tonight.
IR, LL: If Linda’s drinking cups are made of edible material, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
stay home tonight.
IR, LH: If Linda’s drinking cups are made of edible material, then Linda, Jim, and Brian will
get drunk before they reach the club.
#7
Scenario:
Scott was just out playing with his friends in the snow. He has now gone inside but is still
freezing and takes a bath. As both he and his clothes are very dirty, he is likely to make a
mess in the process, which he knows his mother dislikes.
H: Scott will be warm soon.
H: Scott turns on the warm water.
L: Scott turns on the cold water.
L: Scott will soon start to freeze even more.
H: The bathroom will be dirtier than before Scott took his bath.
L: Scott bathes in a hot spring.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
H: Scott makes an effort to be tidy.
H: Scott’s friends are roughly the same age as him.
L: Scott’s friends are 10 years older than him.
PO, HH: If Scott turns on the warm water, then he will be warm soon.
PO, LH: If Scott bathes in a hot spring, then he will be warm soon.
PO, LL: If Scott turns on the cold water, then he will soon start to freeze even more.
PO, HL: If Scott makes an effort to be tidy, then the bathroom will be just as clean as before
he took his bath.
NE, LH: If Scott turns on the cold water, then he will be warm soon.
NE, HL: If Scott turns on the warm water, then he will soon start to freeze even more.
NE, LL: If Scott bathes in a hot spring, then he will soon start to freeze even more.
NE, HH: If Scott makes an effort to be tidy, then the bathroom will be dirtier than before he
took his bath.
IR, HH: If Scott’s friends are roughly the same age as him, then Scott will turn on the warm
water.
IR, HL: If Scott’s friends are roughly the same age as him, then Scott will turn on the cold
water.
IR, LL: If Scott’s friends are 10 years older than him, then Scott will turn on the cold water.
IR, LH: If Scott’s friends are 10 years older than him, then Scott will turn on the hot water.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: The bathtub is made of plastic.
L: The bathtub is made of oak wood.
IR, HH: If the bathtub is made of plastic, then Scott will turn on the warm water.
IR, HL: If the bathtub is made of plastic, then Scott will turn on the cold water.
IR, LL: If the bathtub is made of oak wood, then Scott will turn on the cold water.
IR, LH: If the bathtub is made of oak wood, then Scott will turn on the hot water.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
#8
Scenario:
Julia has gained some weight during her holiday in Egypt, and now wishes to lose 5 kilos.
She is very determined to make lifestyle changes. She is not obese by any means. Yet it is
unlikely that she will end up looking like a model — nor is it her goal. Most would
characterise her as being within the normal range.
H: Julia is going to lose weight.
H: Julia begins to exercise.
L: Julia is going to eat greasy fast food.
L: Julia has weight loss surgery.
H: Julia refuses to have weight loss surgery.
L: Julia will gain weight.
L: Julia will end up looking like a model.
H: The sun shines where Julia went on holiday.
L: It snows where Julia went on holiday.
L: Julia will be as thin as a model.
L: Julia will start working as a model.
H: Julia will hardly start working as a model.
PO, HH: If Julia begins to exercise, then she will lose weight.
PO, LH: If Julia has weight loss surgery, then she will lose weight.
PO, LL: If Julia has weight loss surgery, then she will be as thin as a model.
PO, HL: If Julia begins to exercise, then she will end up looking like a model.
NE, LH: If Julia eats lots of greasy fast food, then she will lose weight.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
NE, HL: If Julia begins to exercise, then she will gain weight.
NE, LL: If Julia has weight loss surgery, then she will gain weight.
NE, HH: If Julia refuses to have weight loss surgery, then she will lose weight.
IR, HH: If the sun shines where Julia went on holiday, then she will lose weight.
IR, HL: If the sun shines where Julia went on holiday, then she will gain weight.
IR, LL: If it snows where Julia went on holiday, then she will gain weight.
IR, LH: If it snows where Julia went on holiday, then she will lose weight.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Julia’s weight scale is made of plastic.
L: Julia’s weight scale is made of gold.
IR, HH: If Julia’s weight scale is made of plastic, then she will lose weight.
IR, HL: If Julia’s weight scale is made of plastic, then she will gain weight.
IR, LL: If Julia’s weight scale is made of gold, then she will gain weight.
IR, LH: If Julia’s weight scale is made of gold, then she will lose weight.
#9
Scenario:
Phillip is going to a job interview that he is quite excited about. If he gets it, then it will be
his first real job since he finished his master’s degree at the university. He is therefore keen
on leaving behind a good impression. However, Phillip didn’t realise that one is expected to
do some research about the company beforehand.
H: Phillip is wearing a suit for the interview.
L: Phillip dresses casually for the interview.
L: Phillip is applying for a job as a construction worker.
L: Phillip is applying to become the director of a major company.
H: Phillip is applying for an office job.
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Niels Skovgaard Olsen
L: Phillip hires a private detective to find out everything he can about his future colleagues.
L: Phillip highlights his extensive experience working at construction sites.
H: Phillip is unaware of the company’s strategic goals.
H: Phillip prefers to use a spoon to eat cereal.
L: Phillip’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup.
PO, HH: If Phillip is applying for an office job, then he will be wearing a suit for the
interview.
PO, LH: If Phillip is applying to become the director of a major company, then he will be
wearing a suit for the interview.
PO, LL: If Phillip is applying for a job as a construction worker, then he will dress casually
for the interview.
PO, HL: If Phillip is applying for an office job, then he will hire a private detective to find
out everything he can about his future colleagues.
NE, LH: If Phillip is applying for a job as a construction worker, then he will be wearing a
suit for the interview.
NE, HL: If Phillip is applying for an office job, then he will highlight his extensive
experience working at construction sites.
NE, LL: If Phillip is applying to become the director of a major company, then he will dress
casually for the interview.
NE, HH: If Phillip is applying for an office job, then he will be unaware of the company’s
strategic goals.
IR, HH: If Phillip prefers to use a spoon to eat cereal, then he will be wearing a suit for the
interview.
IR, HL: If Phillip prefers to use a spoon to eat cereal, then Phillip will highlight his
extensive experience working at construction sites during the interview.
IR, LL: If Phillip’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup, then Phillip will highlight
his extensive experience working at construction sites during the interview.
IR, LH: If Phillip’s neighbour prefers to use a knife to eat soup, then Phillip will be wearing
a suit for the interview.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Phillip searches for job ads on the Internet.
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L: Phillip searches for job ads in the garbage can.
IR, HH: If Phillip searches for job ads on the Internet, then he will be wearing a suit for the
interview.
IR, HL: If Phillip searches for job ads on the Internet, then Phillip will highlight his
extensive experience working at construction sites during the interview.
IR, LL: If Phillip searches for job ads in the garbage can, then Phillip will highlight his
extensive experience working at construction sites during the interview.
IR, LH: If Phillip searches for job ads in the garbage can, then he will be wearing a suit for
the interview.
# 10
Scenario:
Stephen has a date with Sara, on whom he has a crush, and wishes to make a nice impression.
Therefore, he gets ready for the date. However, it is hopeless that he will make it on time.
H: Stephen will wear some of his best clothes.
L: Stephen will wear his sweat-stained gym clothes.
L: Stephen and Sara are going out to eat at McDonalds.
H: Stephen and Sara are going out to an expensive restaurant.
L: Stephen and Sara are invited to a royal dinner party.
L: Stephen will buy a custom-made suit.
H: Stephen is excited about the date.
H: Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put milk on his cornflakes.
L: Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put ketchup on his cornflakes.
L: Stephen forgets who the woman is.
H: Stephen will be late.
PO, HH: If Stephen and Sara go out to an expensive restaurant, then Stephen will wear
some of his best clothes.
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PO, LH: If Stephen and Sara are invited to a royal dinner party, then Stephen will wear
some of his best clothes.
PO, LL: If Stephen and Sara are invited to a royal dinner party, then Stephen will buy a
custom-made suit.
PO, HL: If Stephen and Sara go out to an expensive restaurant, then Stephen will buy a
custom-made suit.
NE, LH: If Stephen and Sara go out to eat at McDonalds, then Stephen will wear some of
his best clothes.
NE, HL: If Stephen and Sara go out to an expensive restaurant, then Stephen will wear his
sweat-stained gym clothes.
NE, LL: If Stephen and Sara are invited to a royal dinner party, then Stephen will wear his
sweat-stained gym clothes.
NE, HH: If Stephen is excited about the date, then he will arrive late.
IR, HH: If Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put milk on his cornflakes, then Stephen will wear
some of his best clothes.
IR, HL: If Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put milk on his cornflakes, then Stephen will buy a
custom-made suit.
IR, LL: If Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put ketchup on his cornflakes, then Stephen will
buy a custom-made suit.
IR, LH: If Stephen’s neighbour prefers to put ketchup on his cornflakes, then Stephen will
wear some of his best clothes.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Stephen brushes his teeth with toothpaste.
L: Stephen brushes his teeth with sea salt.
IR, HH: If Stephen brushes his teeth with toothpaste, then he will wear some of his best
clothes.
IR, HL: If Stephen brushes his teeth with toothpaste, then he will buy a custom-made suit.
IR, LL: If Stephen brushes his teeth with sea salt, then he will buy a custom-made suit.
IR, LH: If Stephen brushes his teeth with sea salt, then he will wear some of his best clothes.
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# 11
Scenario:
Pete has to get up really early for work to go to an important meeting. Pete is a fairly selfdisciplined and responsible person. However, the laptop on which his presentation for the
meeting was has been stolen at the last minute, so he just has to improvise.
H: Pete sets his alarm clock.
H: Pete goes to bed early.
L: Pete goes partying all night long.
L: Pete spends most of the following day in bed with a hangover.
L: Pete hires a butler to wake him up.
L: Pete takes out the batteries of his alarm clock.
H: Pete will get up in time for the meeting.
H: Pete prepares himself for the meeting as best he can.
L: Pete will be able to give the presentation in the way he originally intended.
L: Pete will be late for the meeting.
H: Pete refuses to party all night long.
H: Pete will be prevented from delivering the presentation in the way he originally intended.
H: ‘Pete’ is a male name.
L: ‘Pete’ is a female name.
PO, HH: If Pete sets his alarm clock, then he will get up in time for the meeting.
PO, LH: If Pete hires a butler to wake him up, then he will get up in time for the meeting.
PO, LL: If Pete goes partying all night long, then he will spend most of the following day in
bed with a hangover.
PO, HL: If Pete prepares himself for the meeting as best he can, then he will be able to give
the presentation in the way he originally intended.
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NE, LH: If Pete takes out the batteries of his alarm clock, then he will get up in time for the
meeting.
NE, HL: If Pete refuses to party all night long, then he will spend most of the following day
in bed with a hangover.
NE, LL: If Pete hires a butler to wake him up, then he will be late for the meeting.
NE, HH: If Pete prepares himself for the meeting as best he can, then Pete will be prevented
from delivering the presentation in the way he originally intended.
IR, HH: If ‘Pete’ is a male name, then Pete will get up in time for the meeting.
IR, HL: If ‘Pete’ is a male name, then Pete will be able to give the presentation in the way he
originally intended.
IR, LL: If ‘Pete’ is a female name, then Pete will be able to give the presentation in the way
he originally intended.
IR, LH: If ‘Pete’ is a female name, then Pete will get up in time for the meeting.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Pete’s stolen laptop has a keyboard.
L: Pete’s stolen laptop lacks a keyboard.
IR, HH: If Pete’s stolen laptop has a keyboard, then Pete will get up in time for the meeting.
IR, HL: If Pete’s stolen laptop has a keyboard, then Pete will be able to give the presentation
in the way he originally intended.
IR, LL: If Pete’s stolen laptop lacks a keyboard, then Pete will be able to give the
presentation in the way he originally intended.
IR, LH: If Pete’s stolen laptop lacks a keyboard, then Pete will get up in time for the
meeting.
# 12
Scenario:
Martin is out eating at a good restaurant. The service has been excellent and he was served
rather quickly as the restaurant is only half-full. He now wants to pay for his meal. However,
Martin does not realise that one is supposed to tip the waitress.
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H: Martin will manage to get the attention of the waitress.
H: Martin raises his hand discreetly in the air.
L: Martin throws a plate against the wall.
L: Martin will be thrown out of the restaurant.
L: The waitress will think that Martin is imitating the behaviour of school kids.
L: Martin will become best friends with the manager.
H: The waitress will act friendly towards Martin.
H: Martin leaves without tipping the waitress.
H: There is a pillow in Martin’s bed.
L: Martin prefers to use a rock as a pillow.
PO, HH: If Martin raises his hand discreetly in the air, then he will manage to get the
attention of the waitress.
PO, LH: If Martin throws a plate against the wall, then he will manage to get the attention
of the waitress.
PO, LL: If Martin throws a plate against the wall, then he will be thrown out of the
restaurant.
PO, HL: If Martin raises his hand discreetly in the air, then the waitress will think that he is
imitating the behaviour of school kids.
NE, LH: If Martin throws a plate against the wall, then the waitress will act friendly
towards him.
NE, HL: If Martin raises his hand discreetly in the air, then he will be thrown out of the
restaurant.
NE, LL: If Martin throws a plate against the wall, then he will become best friends with the
manager.
NE, HH: If the waitress acts friendly towards Martin, then he will leave without tipping her.
IR, HH: If there is a pillow in Martin’s bed, then the waitress will act friendly towards him.
IR, HL: If there is a pillow in Martin’s bed, then he will become best friends with the
manager.
IR, LL: If Martin prefers to use a rock as a pillow, then he will become best friends with the
manager.
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IR, LH: If Martin prefers to use a rock as a pillow, then the waitress will act friendly
towards him.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: The restaurant has white tablecloths.
L: The restaurant has pink tablecloths.
IR, HH: If the restaurant has white tablecloths, then the waitress will act friendly towards
Martin.
IR, HL: If the restaurant has white tablecloths, then Martin will become best friends with
the manager.
IR, LL: If the restaurant has pink tablecloths, then Martin will become best friends with the
manager.
IR, LH: If the restaurant has white tablecloths, then the waitress will act friendly towards
Martin.
# 13
Scenario:
Thomas wants to impress his boss, Mr. Schmitt. The company has recently received a large
order from one of its biggest clients, which it has difficulties meeting. However, Thomas’
wife is insisting that they take a week off to go on holiday and Thomas feels that he cannot
afford to let his wife down, so he books the vacation.
H: Thomas is motivated to work as hard as he can.
H: Thomas will go on vacation with his wife.
L: Thomas’ company will be able to meet the deadline.
L: Thomas works nonstop on the project until it is finished.
L: Thomas refuses to contribute in any way to meeting the order of the client.
H: Thomas’ company will fail to meet the deadline.
H: Thomas will make his wife happy.
L: Thomas’ wife will be bitterly disappointed with him.
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L: Thomas’ company forces all of its employees to work the day as well as night without
breaks until the order is completed.
H: Thomas has five toes on his left foot.
L: Thomas has more than five toes on his left foot.
PO, HH: If Thomas goes on vacation with his wife, then he will make her happy.
PO, LH: If Thomas refuses to contribute in any way to meeting the order of the client, then
his company will fail to meet the deadline.
PO, LL: If Thomas is able to work nonstop on the project until it is finished, then his
company will be able to meet the deadline.
PO, HL: If Thomas is motivated to work as hard as he can, then his company will be able to
meet the deadline.
NE, LH: If Thomas works nonstop on the project until it is finished, then his company will
fail to meet the deadline.
NE, HL: If Thomas goes on vacation with his wife, then she will be bitterly disappointed
with him.
NE, LL: If Thomas’ company forces all of its employees to work the day as well as night
without breaks until the order is completed, then it will succeed in meeting the deadline.
NE, HH: If Thomas is motivated to work as hard as he can, then his company will fail to
meet the deadline.
IR, HH: If Thomas has five toes on his left foot, then his company will fail in meeting the
deadline.
IR, HL: If Thomas has five toes on his left foot, then his company will succeed in meeting
the deadline.
IR, LL: If Thomas has more than five toes on his left foot, then his company will succeed in
meeting the deadline.
IR, LH: If Thomas has more than five toes on his left foot, then his company will fail in
meeting the deadline.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Mr. Schmitt earns more than Thomas does.
L: Mr. Schmitt earns less than Thomas does.
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IR, HH: If Mr. Schmitt earns more than Thomas does, then his company will fail in meeting
the deadline.
IR, HL: If Mr. Schmitt earns more than Thomas does, then his company will succeed in
meeting the deadline.
IR, LL: If Mr. Schmitt earns less than Thomas does, then his company will succeed in
meeting the deadline.
IR, LH: If Mr. Schmitt earns less than Thomas does, then his company will fail in meeting
the deadline.
# 14
Scenario:
Sophia wishes to find a nice present for her 13-year-old son, Tim, for Christmas. She is
running on a tight budget, but she knows that Tim loves participating in live roleplaying in
the forest and she is really skilled at sewing the orc costumes he needs. Unfortunately, she
will not be able to afford the leather parts that such costumes usually have, but she will still
be able to make them look nice.
H: Tim will be excited about his present.
H: Sophia makes Tim an orc costume.
L: Sophia buys a Barbie doll for Tim.
L: Sophia buys expensive full plate armour for Tim.
L: Tim will hate his present.
H: Sophia makes Tim an orc costume that lacks the leather parts that such costumes usually
have.
H: Sophia regularly wears shoes.
L: Sophia prefers to sleep with her rollerblades on.
PO, HH: If Sophia makes Tim an orc costume, then he will be excited about his present.
PO, LH: If Sophia buys expensive full plate armour for Tim, then he will be excited about
his present.
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PO, LL: If Sophia buys a Barbie doll for Tim, then he will hate his present.
PO, HL: If Sophia makes Tim an orc costume that lacks the leather parts that such costumes
usually have, then he will hate his present.
NE, LH: If Sophia buys a Barbie doll for Tim, then he will be excited about his present.
NE, HL: If Sophia makes Tim an orc costume, then he will hate his present.
NE, LL: If Sophia buys expensive full plate armour for Tim, then he will hate his present.
NE, HH: If Sophia makes Tim an orc costume that lacks the leather parts that such
costumes usually have, then he will be excited about his present.
IR, HH: If Sophia regularly wears shoes, then Tim will be excited about his present.
IR, HL: If Sophia regularly wears shoes, then Tim will hate his present.
IR, LL: If Sophia prefers to sleep with her rollerblades on, then Tim will hate his present.
IR, LH: If Sophia prefers to sleep with her rollerblades on, then Tim will be excited about
his present.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Sophia plans to serve a traditional Christmas dinner.
L: Sophia plans to serve pizza at Christmas.
IR, HH: If Sophia plans to serve a traditional Christmas dinner, then Tim will be excited
about his present.
IR, HL: If Sophia plans to serve a traditional Christmas dinner, then Tim will hate his
present.
IR, LL: If Sophia plans to serve pizza at Christmas, then Tim will hate his present.
IR, LH: If Sophia plans to serve pizza at Christmas, then Tim will be excited about his
present.
# 15
Scenario:
Michael is saving up money to buy a new car. In general, Michael is fairly disciplined and
good at achieving a goal once he has made up his mind and he has an average income, so the
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car is within his reach. However, Michael is also in the process of decorating his living room
and has to buy a new couch.
H: Michael will be able to buy the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
H: Michael buys an ordinary couch.
L: Michael buys a custom-made designer couch out of leather.
L: The furniture store gives Michael a custom-made designer couch free of charge.
L: Michael will be prevented from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
L: Michael will be able to buy a limousine in the foreseeable future.
H: Michael is very eager to buy a new car.
H: The next thing Michael buys will be something other than a car.
H: Michael showers naked.
L: Michael prefers to wear a raincoat while taking a shower.
PO, HH: If Michael buys an ordinary couch, then he will be able to buy the car he desires in
the foreseeable future.
PO, LH: If the furniture store gives Michael a custom-made designer couch free of charge,
then he will be able to buy the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
PO, LL: If Michael buys a custom-made designer couch out of leather, then he will be
prevented from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
PO, HL: If Michael buys an ordinary couch, then he will be able to buy a limousine in the
foreseeable future.
NE, LH: If Michael buys a custom-made designer couch out of leather, then he will be able
to buy the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
NE, HL: If Michael buys an ordinary couch, then he will be prevented from buying the car
he desires in the foreseeable future.
NE, LL: If the furniture store gives Michael a custom-made designer couch free of charge,
then he will be prevented from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
NE, HH: If Michael is very eager to buy a new car, then the next thing Michael buys will be
something other than a car.
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IR, HH: If Michael showers naked, then he will be able to buy the car he desires in the
foreseeable future.
IR, HL: If Michael showers naked, then he will be prevented from buying the car he desires
in the foreseeable future.
IR, LL: If Michael prefers to wear a raincoat while taking a shower, then he will be
prevented from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
IR, LH: If Michael prefers to wear a raincoat while taking a shower, then he will be able to
buy the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Michael plans to place his new couch in his living room.
L: Michael plans to place his new couch in his bathroom.
IR, HH: If Michael plans to place his new couch in his living room, then he will be able to
buy the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
IR, HL: If Michael plans to place his new couch in his living room, then he will be prevented
from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
IR, LL: If Michael plans to place his new couch in his bathroom, then he will be prevented
from buying the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
IR, LH: If Michael plans to place his new couch in his bathroom, then he will be able to buy
the car he desires in the foreseeable future.
# 16
Scenario:
Nicole’s skin is pale and she wants a suntan with a mild brown colour. It is summer, the
weather is nice, and there is a beach nearby. Unfortunately, Nicole’s skin is very sensitive to
the sun and she is somewhat bad at controlling the amount of her exposure to the sun.
H: Nicole sunbathes on the beach.
H: Nicole will get sunburn.
L: Nicole stays in the shadows.
H: Nicole will be unable to obtain the mild brown colour for which she is longing.
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L: Nicole sunbathes every day from morning until night for the rest of the summer.
L: Nicole’s skin will turn black.
L: Nicole’s skin will continue to be pale.
L: Nicole uses carrier pigeons to send all of her mail.
H: Nicole knows what a computer is.
PO, HH: If Nicole sunbathes on the beach, then she will get sunburn.
PO, LH: If Nicole stays in the shadows, then she will be unable to obtain the mild brown
colour for which she is longing.
PO, LL: If Nicole sunbathes every day from morning until night for the rest of the summer,
then her skin will turn black.
PO, HL: If Nicole sunbathes on the beach, then her skin will turn black.
NE, LH: If Nicole stays in the shadows, then she will get sunburn.
NE, HL: If Nicole sunbathes on the beach, then her skin will continue to be pale.
NE, LL: If Nicole stays in the shadows, then her skin will turn black.
NE, HH: If Nicole sunbathes on the beach, then she will be unable to obtain the mild brown
colour for which she is longing.
IR, HH: If Nicole knows what a computer is, then she will get sunburn.
IR, HL: If Nicole knows what a computer is, then her skin will turn black.
IR, LL: If Nicole uses carrier pigeons to send all of her mail, then her skin will turn black.
IR, LH: If Nicole uses carrier pigeons to send all of her mail, then she will get sunburn.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: There are other people at the beach.
L: The sand is coloured red at the beach.
IR, HH: If there are other people at the beach, then Nicole will get sunburn.
IR, HL: If there are other people at the beach, then Nicole’s skin will turn black.
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IR, LL: If the sand is coloured red at the beach, then Nicole’s skin will turn black.
IR, LH: If the sand is coloured red at the beach, then Nicole will get sunburn.
# 17
Scenario:
Today, Maria has set herself the aim of making her boyfriend, Craig, jealous so that he can
pull himself together. She knows that if there is one thing that will make him jealous, it is
visiting her ex-boyfriend, Adrian. However, Maria accidentally left evidence of her scheme
for Craig’s brother, Alex, who will probably try to protect Craig by lying about Maria’s
whereabouts. Unfortunately, Craig is good at spotting Alex’s lies.
H: Maria pays Adrian a visit.
L: Maria will fail to make Craig jealous.
H: Maria will make Craig jealous.
L: Craig will react with indifference to Maria’s behaviour.
L: Maria spends the whole day cleaning her toilet.
L: Maria goes to Las Vegas to marry Craig’s best friend.
H: Craig’s brother, Alex, conceals Maria’s whereabouts.
H: Alex uses a cup to drink coffee.
L: Alex uses a soup plate to drink coffee.
PO, HH: If Maria pays Adrian a visit, then Maria will make Craig jealous.
PO, LH: If Maria goes to Las Vegas to marry Craig’s best friend, then Maria will make
Craig jealous.
PO, LL: If Maria spends the whole day cleaning her toilet, then Craig will react with
indifference to Maria’s behaviour.
PO, HL: If Craig’s brother, Alex, conceals Maria’s whereabouts, then Craig will react with
indifference to Maria’s behaviour.
NE, LH: If Maria spends the whole day cleaning her toilet, then Maria will make Craig
jealous.
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NE, HL: If Maria pays Adrian a visit, then Craig will react with indifference to Maria’s
behaviour.
NE, LL: If Maria goes to Las Vegas to marry Craig’s best friend, then Craig will react with
indifference to Maria’s behaviour.
NE, HH: If Craig’s brother, Alex, conceals Maria’s whereabouts, then Maria will make Craig
jealous.
IR, HH: If Alex uses a cup to drink coffee, then Maria will make Craig jealous.
IR, HL: If Alex uses a cup to drink coffee, then Maria will fail to make Craig jealous.
IR, LL: If Alex uses a soup plate to drink coffee, then Maria will fail to make Craig jealous.
IR, LH: If Alex uses a soup plate to drink coffee, then Maria will make Craig jealous.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Maria visits the toilet at some point during the day she contemplates meeting Adrian.
L: Maria suppresses her need to go to the toilet during the day she contemplates meeting
Adrian.
IR, HH: If Maria visits the toilet at some point during the day she contemplates meeting
Adrian, then Maria will make Craig jealous.
IR, HL: If Maria visits the toilet at some point during the day she contemplates meeting
Adrian, then Maria will fail to make Craig jealous.
IR, LL: If Maria suppresses her need to go to the toilet during the day she contemplates
meeting Adrian, then Maria will fail to make Craig jealous.
IR, LH: If Maria suppresses her need to go to the toilet during the day she contemplates
meeting Adrian, then Maria will make Craig jealous.
# 18
Scenario:
Allan plans to run an amateur marathon next month but needs to get into decent shape
beforehand. He is an experienced runner, so he should be able to get into good shape if he
sticks to his plan. However, although Allan has read somewhere that one should take it easy
at the beginning of the race, he tends to get overexcited on the actual race day and run too
quickly at the beginning.
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H: Allan gets into good shape before the marathon.
H: Allan will be able to finish the race.
L: Allan will fail to finish the race.
L: Allan skips practice out of laziness.
L: Allan hires a team of four personal trainers.
L: Allan will start out running at a slow pace.
H: Allan intends to take it easy at the beginning of the race.
H: Allan will use up too much energy at the beginning of the race.
H: Allan prefers using a towel to dry himself after a shower.
L: Allan prefers using paper napkins to dry himself after a shower.
PO, HH: If Allan gets into good shape before the marathon, then he will be able to finish the
race.
PO, LH: If Allan hires a team of four personal trainers, then he will be able to finish the
race.
PO, LL: If Allan skips practice out of laziness, then he will fail to finish the race.
PO, HL: If Allan intends to take it easy at the beginning of the race, then he will start out
running at a slow pace.
NE, LH: If Allan skips practice out of laziness, then he will be able to finish the race.
NE, HL: If Allan gets into good shape before the marathon, then he will fail to finish the
race.
NE, LL: If Allan hires a team of four personal trainers, then he will fail to finish the race.
NE, HH: If Allan intends to take it easy at the beginning of the race, then he will use up too
much energy at the beginning of the race.
IR, HH: If Allan prefers using a towel to dry himself after a shower, then he will be able to
finish the race.
IR, HL: If Allan prefers using a towel to dry himself after a shower, then he will fail to finish
the race.
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IR, LL: If Allan prefers using paper napkins to dry himself after a shower, then he will fail to
finish the race.
IR, LH: If Allan prefers using paper napkins to dry himself after a shower, then he will be
able to finish the race.
Alternative same content IR manipulation:
H: Allan wears white running shoes.
L: Allan wears pink running shoes.
IR, HH: If Allan wears white running shoes, then he will be able to finish the race.
IR, HL: If Allan wears white running shoes, then he will fail to finish the race.
IR, LL: If Allan wears pink running shoes, then he will fail to finish the race.
IR, LH: If Allan wears pink running shoes, then he will be able to finish the race.
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