Which type of bias involves over-reliance on one trait when making a decision?

Anchoring bias is a cognitive bias that occurs when an individual relies too heavily on the first piece of information encountered—this initial "anchor"—when making decisions. This reliance can lead to skewed judgment, as people may give disproportionate weight to this initial information and fail to adequately consider subsequent data or alternatives. For example, if someone first learns that a vehicle has a high asking price, their perception of its value may remain biased towards that initial figure, even if more relevant and contextual information arises later.

In decision-making processes, especially in law enforcement, recognizing anchoring bias is crucial because it can affect how officers interpret evidence, assess situations, or even formulate opinions about suspects and incidents. Being aware of this bias helps promote a more holistic approach to decision-making that takes multiple factors into account rather than fixating on one particular trait or detail.