Behavioral Bias Lab
All experiments

Anchoring & Adjustment

The Anchor Effect

How an irrelevant number shapes your estimate

~60 secTversky & Kahneman (1974)

You will be shown a random number, then asked to estimate an unrelated quantity. The experiment tests whether that initial number — the "anchor" — influences your response.

Before we begin

You will be briefly shown a number. This number is randomly generated and has no relation to the question you will answer next.

Nevertheless, research consistently shows that this irrelevant anchor shifts estimates by 10–25%. Try to ignore it — but be honest with your first instinct.