Availability heuristic
make a judgement based on the first thing that pops in your head (assumes planes are dangerous because of a crash in the news)
The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias where individuals base their judgments or decisions on the information that is easy to recall or readily available to them, rather than on more objective or representative data. It is a mental shortcut that people use when estimating the likelihood of events or situations. The availability heuristic can affect people’s decision-making processes in both positive and negative ways.
For example, a person may overestimate the likelihood of a terrorist attack or plane crash because it is frequently reported in the media, even though the actual risk is statistically very low. On the other hand, some people may refuse to get vaccinated because they have heard stories of negative side effects, even though the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
To counteract the availability heuristic, it is important to seek out more objective and balanced information before making any decisions. This may involve taking the time to research an issue thoroughly, seeking out different perspectives, and looking at data that may not be as readily available. It can also be helpful to be aware of one’s own biases and thought processes, and to consciously strive to make decisions based on a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
More Answers:
The Importance of Bottom-up Processing for Perception and Understanding of the EnvironmentUnderstanding Bottom-Up Processing: From Sensory Information to Perception
Breaking the Chains of Belief Bias: How to Overcome the Influence of Pre-Existing Beliefs in Evaluating Arguments