Anchoring

Anchoring is a cognitive error in which the first piece of information has an excessive influence on a subsequent assessment or decision.

Definition

Anchoring makes the first number, opinion, price, working diagnosis or suggestion a reference point, even if better data comes later. The mind tries to correct the assessment, but often stays too close to the original anchor. Therefore, it is worth consciously looking for alternative points of reference in decisions.

Key ideas

Missing key ideas.

Practice and life

Before making a decision, ask: what was the first information that set my thinking? Then deliberately look for a second, independent anchor.

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to assume that mere awareness of the anchor completely removes its influence. It is also a mistake to base a valuation or assessment on the first impression.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.