anchoring
The psychological tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered when making decisions.
Focuses specifically on how an initial numeric figure or baseline anchors subsequent judgments, even if the initial number is irrelevant.
Word relationships
- fixation: Fixation refers to obsessing over a concept, while anchoring is a specific cognitive bias tied to initial reference points.
- adjustment: Adjustment represents updating opinions fluidly away from baseline assumptions.
Commonly confused with
- framing: Framing shapes how information is presented, while anchoring relies specifically on initial quantitative reference points.
Word family
- anchor (verb): To establish a firm reference point.
Collocations
- anchoring effect
- anchoring bias
- initial anchoring
Idioms & expressions
- set an anchor
Example sentences
- "By stating an ambitious initial salary request, she effectively set an anchoring point for negotiation." Negotiation strategy
Memory hook
An anchor drops at sea and stays locked in place; anchoring locks your judgment to the first number you hear. Anchoring grounds your mind to the first price tag.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical stability or boat security unless speaking metaphorically in nautical contexts.
Fun facts
- In retail sales, listing a high original price next to a sale price relies entirely on the anchoring effect to make discounts look massive.
Related words
Explore more words
fixation, marginalism, premise, analytical, objectivity, preconception
Also appears in
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