A starting number can shape an estimate
Explore how an initial number can influence an estimate.
The picture in words
- Starting value
- A number introduces a reference point.
- Estimate
- A later judgment may be drawn toward that point.
Reading the illustration
The prompts are teaching examples. They illustrate anchoring without reporting experimental results.
Try a question
What stays the same across the two jar examples?
Show the explanation
The jar and its contents stay the same. The numerical starting point changes, allowing us to focus on its possible influence.
Read the sources
- Bazerman, M. H. (2026). Judgment and decision making. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds.), Noba textbook series: Psychology. DEF Publishers. https://nobaproject.com/modules/judgment-and-decision-makingSelected rendered passages on anchoring and framing, reviewed in the topic-selection research.