Availability Heuristic

TOO MUCH INFOSYSTEM 1Primacy of Availability and Repetition

Visual Metaphor

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Definition

The tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events based on the ease with which examples come to mind. If an instance is readily retrieved—due to recency, vividness, or emotional impact—it is judged as frequent and probable.

Underlying Mechanism

Availability Heuristic

Observable Markers

  • You always
  • This always happens
  • Every time
  • It's like that time
  • I remember when

Examples

  • After seeing a plane crash on TV, I'm afraid to fly
  • I remember that one time it rained, so it must rain often

Insight

Notice: narrative universalizes a specific, recent, or emotional event. Consider broader context and statistical data.

Visual analysis of Availability Heuristic cognitive bias showing TOO MUCH INFO domain patterns
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7-Layer Framework Associations

Layer 5Layer 6

Research Notes

Causes skew in risk assessment (e.g., fearing plane crashes more than car accidents). Triggered by vivid media, recent trauma, high emotional valence.

Literal Visualization

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