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Blake needs new batteries and decides to buy a package of Energizer batteries. His friend asks him why he selected Energizer, and Blake replies, "Because I constantly see those commercials with the rabbit." Blake is using the availability heuristic.

a) Availability
b) Anchoring
c) Representativeness
d) Confirmation

User Arun Mohan
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Final answer:

Blake is using the availability heuristic, not anchoring bias, to decide on purchasing Energizer batteries. The availability heuristic is based on the presence of information in one's immediate memory, such as prominent advertisements like the Energizer bunny, whereas anchoring bias involves fixating on initial numerical information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of bias that involves becoming fixated on a single trait of a problem is known as the anchoring bias. This cognitive bias occurs when an individual relies heavily on an initial piece of information—the "anchor"—when making decisions or judgments. For example, if Blake's choice of Energizer batteries is solely based on the memory of the brand's advertisements, particularly the iconic rabbit, he might be exhibiting anchoring bias if that was the first battery commercial he was exposed to and now strongly associates batteries with that brand.

However, since Blake's selection is based on the prominence and easier recall of advertisements, this is actually indicative of the availability heuristic. This heuristic leads to a judgment based on the most readily available information to memory. It is important to note that while anchoring bias can influence decisions, it deals with reliance on initial numerical values, whereas availability heuristic involves the ease of recalling memories, instances, or associations.

User Tjorriemorrie
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