What best explains why Alyosha perceives normal aches as disease-related symptoms after hearing rumors of an outbreak?

The concept of perceptual set refers to a mental predisposition to perceive things a certain way, influenced by expectations and prior experiences. In Alyosha's case, after hearing rumors of an outbreak, he may be more likely to interpret normal aches and pains as symptoms of an illness due to a heightened focus on disease-related information. This predisposition shapes his perception, making him more receptive to interpreting his bodily sensations in a way that aligns with his newfound concerns about the outbreak. Essentially, his expectations have primed him to view ordinary physical sensations in a negative light, leading him to perceive them as potentially serious symptoms rather than just typical discomforts.

In contrast, confirmation bias involves the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs. The framing effect relates to how information is presented and can influence how people perceive it, while the context effect entails how the context in which information is received can affect perception. Although these concepts are relevant to understanding cognitive biases and perception, they do not specifically address the direct impact of heightened expectations on Alyosha's interpretation of his symptoms as perceptual set does.