The availability heuristic is exemplified in Joe's argument regarding smoking risks based on his mother's experience, showcasing the potential pitfalls of relying on easily accessible examples over comprehensive data.
The example of Joe arguing that smoking cigarettes is not dangerous because his mother smoked a pack a day her whole life and lived to be 90 with minimal health problems is an instance of the availability heuristic. The availability heuristic is the tendency to base judgments on information that is easily recalled or readily available, rather than considering all relevant factors.
For instance, just because Joe's mother lived a long life despite smoking doesn't negate the overall statistical evidence that smoking is harmful. This bias can lead to erroneous conclusions due to overemphasizing easily accessible examples over comprehensive data.
To counteract the availability heuristic, individuals can consciously seek out and consider a broader range of information before forming judgments to make more informed decisions.
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