Which bias occurs when decision makers are influenced by how a situation or problem is presented?

Which bias occurs when decision makers are influenced by how a situation or problem is presented?

• A. Framing bias
• B. Anchoring and adjustment bias
• C. Confirmation bias
• D. Escalation of commitment bias

Answer: (A)

The main concept tested here is how the way a situation is framed or presented can shape decisions. This is framing bias: information that is presented in different ways can lead people to make different choices even when the underlying facts are the same. For example, describing a medical option as having a 90% survival rate versus a 10% mortality rate can yield different levels of risk tolerance, despite the two statements conveying the same outcome. Anchoring and adjustment bias involves sticking to an initial number or starting point, not how the situation is framed. Confirmation bias is about seeking information that confirms preconceptions, not about presentation. Escalation of commitment bias is about continuing a course of action due to prior investments, again not about how the problem is framed. Thus framing bias is the best fit for this question.

The main concept tested here is how the way a situation is framed or presented can shape decisions. This is framing bias: information that is presented in different ways can lead people to make different choices even when the underlying facts are the same. For example, describing a medical option as having a 90% survival rate versus a 10% mortality rate can yield different levels of risk tolerance, despite the two statements conveying the same outcome.

Anchoring and adjustment bias involves sticking to an initial number or starting point, not how the situation is framed. Confirmation bias is about seeking information that confirms preconceptions, not about presentation. Escalation of commitment bias is about continuing a course of action due to prior investments, again not about how the problem is framed. Thus framing bias is the best fit for this question.