A bias that occurs when a therapist's first impression about a client's problem artificially constricts his or her subsequent analysis is called the ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The anchoring effect occurs when a therapist's first impression about a client's problem influences their subsequent analysis, potentially leading them to overlook or downplay important information that does not fit with their initial perception. This bias can interfere with an accurate understanding of the client's situation and may impede effective treatment. The other options (base rate fallacy, availability heuristic, representativeness heuristic) are all cognitive biases that can impact decision-making in different ways, but they do not apply specifically to the therapist-client dynamic.

A Bias That Occurs When a Therapist's First Impression About