Availability Heuristic: Definition, Examples, & BiasThe availability heuristic is a mental shortcut we use to estimate probability and risk. It’s based on the belief that if we can remember an event easily, it must happen frequently. Let’s explore how this works and take a look at its benefits and pitfalls.
But if I’d thought about it logically, I would have realized the chances of being a victim of a shark attack were no greater than before. There wasn’t a higher number of sharks in the water, and the probability of an attack was (and is) still extremely small. Eventually, after some time with no further attacks or reported shark sightings, I stopped thinking about it.
Shark attacks, plane crashes, terrorist attacks, and kidnappings are incredibly rare. Yet we often overestimate the frequency of these events which can trigger unnecessary worry. These errors in the perception of risk are often due to the availability heuristic. In this article, we’ll define the availability heuristic, look at some examples, and explain how it can set us up to make poor decisions. Before reading on, if you're a therapist, coach, or wellness entrepreneur, be sure to grab our free Wellness Business Growth eBook to get expert tips and free resources that will help you grow your business exponentially. Are You a Therapist, Coach, or Wellness Entrepreneur?
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