Simple Bias

A bias that operates through a single, straightforward mechanism, without multiple interacting factors. For instance, the bandwagon effect (believing something because many others do) is relatively simple. Simple biases are easy to understand and often easy to counteract with awareness. They are the building blocks of more complex biases.

Simple Bias Example: “The simple bias called ‘first impression’ made him trust the first number he saw, ignoring later data. One cause, one predictable error.”

Simple Bias by Abzugal May 1, 2026

Simple-Static Bias

A bias that is both simple in its mechanism and static in its persistence. It operates through a straightforward cognitive shortcut and remains relatively unchanged over time. For example, the anchoring effect (relying too heavily on the first piece of information) is simple (a single mental heuristic) and static (it works similarly across situations). Simple‑static biases are often the easiest to study in controlled experiments.

Simple-Static Bias Example: “The simple‑static bias of ‘price anchoring’ made him judge the sale price as cheap only because he’d seen the inflated original first. Same bias, same effect, every time.”

Simple-Static Bias by Abzugal May 1, 2026