Which of the following situations might lead to increased reliance on automatic thinking?

Increased reliance on automatic thinking often occurs in situations where individuals can draw on past experiences and established patterns. Making familiar choices in everyday life fits this description, as these decisions usually involve routines and habits that have been formed over time. In such scenarios, individuals do not need to engage in extensive deliberation; instead, their cognitive processes can operate automatically, allowing for quick and efficient decision-making.

In contrast, tackling a new and unfamiliar problem, engaging in critical debate, and thoroughly researching new information typically require more deliberate and effortful thinking. These activities involve analysis, critical thinking, and the integration of new knowledge, which encourages a more conscious and reflective cognitive approach rather than the automatic one.