To demonstrate the anchoring phenomenon, Kahneman and Tversky would ask research subjects very difficult questions that should be answered with a number between zero and 100. Before asking for the respondent's answer, they would also spin a large wheel that generated random number outcomes from zero to 100. If the respondents were subject to the anchoring effect, then we should expect that:
A) their responses are uncorrelated with the numbers generated by the wheel.
B) their responses are correlated with the numbers generated by the wheel.
C) their responses are wrong most of the time.
D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the respondents were subject to the anchoring effect, then their responses would be influenced by the number they saw on the wheel, and therefore correlated with those numbers. A) would suggest that there is no effect, which contradicts the concept of anchoring. C) is too extreme and not necessarily true - although the responses could be "wrong" in the sense that they are not accurate or appropriate answers to the question, the respondents may still believe them to be correct. D) is too ambiguous and does not provide a clear answer.

To Demonstrate the Anchoring Phenomenon, Kahneman and Tversky Would Ask