"Anchoring bias" is a cognitive phenomenon where an individual relies too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the "anchor") when making decisions. For example, in a study by Amos Tversky, participants were asked to estimate the percentage of African nations in the UN. One group was given a random low number as a starting point, while another was given a high number. The group given the high number consistently estimated a higher percentage than the group given the low number, suggesting that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
the participants’ knowledge of geography was the primary factor in their estimates.
the initial numerical value influenced the participants' final judgments, regardless of its relevance.
anchoring bias is only effective when the participants are unaware of the topic being discussed.
people are generally immune to psychological biases when performing mathematical tasks.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text defines "anchoring bias" as relying on the first piece of information given. The experiment showed that a random high number led to high estimates and a low number to low estimates. This logically suggests that the initial number (the anchor) influenced the decision, even though the number was random and unrelated to the actual answer.
Choice A is incorrect because if knowledge were the primary factor, the random numbers would not have caused such a consistent difference between the groups. Choice C is incorrect because the text defines the bias as a general cognitive phenomenon; it does not suggest it relies on the participant being unaware of the topic. Choice D is incorrect because the results show the participants were influenced by the bias, contradicting the idea that they are immune.