Cognitive Bias Match Game

A retailer can dramatically influence consumer behavior through price framing. When advertising a subscription, highlighting a '$120 annual fee' generates fewer sign-ups than breaking it down as 'just $10 per month'—even though the total cost is identical. Similarly, labeling a discount as 'save $50' feels more compelling than 'pay $450' (from an original $500), despite representing the same final price. This explains why retailers carefully craft how prices and promotions are verbally packaged.

A manager believes most employees want to return to the office full-time after remote work because her immediate team expressed this preference. Without conducting a company-wide survey, she implements a mandatory return policy, citing "overwhelming support." The result is unexpected backlash from the majority of employees who preferred a hybrid model, leading to decreased morale and several resignations.

A small business receives hundreds of 5-star reviews for their product online, but also gets three negative comments. Despite the overwhelmingly favorable ratio, the owner becomes obsessed with the negative feedback, making unnecessary product changes and experiencing significant anxiety. Meanwhile, potential customers reading reviews also give disproportionate weight to the few negative comments, potentially affecting their purchasing decisions despite the statistical insignificance of those few complaints.