Strack & Mussweiler (2001)

Question 1

Where can this study be used? (3)

Answer 1

Cognitive biases
Dual Processing Model
Use of research methods in the study of cognitive processes

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

To investigate whether an implausible anchor (a clearly unrealistic number) could still influence people’s judgments—specifically in estimating the age at which Mahatma Gandhi died

Question 3

Participants

Answer 3

69 German university students (opportunity sample) recruited from university canteen
* independent measures - randomly assigned to one of two conditions

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

P completed general knowledge questionnaire
* one question asked (using implausible values):
* low anchor group: “did ghandi die before or after the age of 9?”
* high anchor group: “did ghandi die before
* after all P aksed: how old was Ghandi when he died?” (correct answer: 78)

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Even implausible values influenced P judgement
* high anchor (140): average estimate = 66.7
* low anchor (9): average estimate = 50.1
* low anchor had stronger effect than high anchor: 140 seemed impossible, while 9, though unlikely, was not viewed as biologically impossible

Question 6

Strengths (name 3)

Answer 6

• study design minimised external factors that could affect results
• random allocation helped reduce bias and increase internal validity
• simple, replicable task
• demonstrates cognitive bias clearly (real-world implications of anchoring in decision-making)

Question 7

Limitations (name 3)

Answer 7

• limited sample to German university students - may not reflect other demographics
• answering trivia on computer may not relect how anchoring works in real-life decisions
• demand characteristics
• implausible anchor reduces realism