Availability Heuristics and the Macarena

Availability Heuristic

Description

We make a judgment based on what we can remember, rather than complete data. In particular, we use this for judging frequency or likelihood of events.

Because we remember recent experiences or reports, then the news has a significant effect on our decisions. After a news feature about a rape case, many women will be more nervous about going out alone at night. We have thus been primed by the news, increasing the accessibility of this information.

Various factors can affect availability. Things which are easier to imagine, for example if they are very vivid makes themselves more available. Things which are uncomfortable to think about can push people into denial, making these thoughts unavailable. This may also be why we can seem egocentric: because our own experiences are more available to us.

I find humor the best way to cope with pain.....