Many television shopping networks put a countdown timer on the screen while trying to solicit the purchase of specific items. This gives the impression that there are only a few of that particular item available, and creates pressure to make a purchase very quickly. Thinking that one must buy "before time runs out" is known as the ________ heuristic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question involves creating the impression of scarcity, which is the basis of the scarcity heuristic. The other options (consensus, availability, representativeness) do not appropriately describe the situation.

Many Television Shopping Networks Put a Countdown Timer on the Screen