One outcome, two descriptions
Compare two descriptions of the same arrangement.
The picture in words
- Same arrangement
- Eight of ten seats are occupied.
- Different emphasis
- Two of ten seats are empty.
Reading the illustration
Count the seats in both panels. The example shows equivalent descriptions; any effect on an actual decision would need to be measured.
Try a question
How can both descriptions be accurate?
Show the explanation
Both refer to the same ten seats. One highlights the occupied seats and the other highlights the empty seats.
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.