Which bias describes the tendency for recent or vivid cases to dominate judgment?

• A. Anchoring bias
• B. Confirmation bias
• C. Availability bias
• D. Premature closure

Answer: (C)

Availability bias is the tendency to judge how common or likely something is based on how easily examples come to mind, especially when they are recent or vivid. When a dramatic event captures attention or a striking anecdote is fresh, it colors our perception and makes us overestimate its frequency or danger, even if broader data tell a different story. This is the availability heuristic in action: memory and salience drive judgment more than actual statistics. For example, a highly publicized incident can make people fear a risk more than statistical reality would warrant. Other biases operate differently: anchoring ties you to an initial piece of information, confirmation bias favors information that reinforces what you already think, and premature closure ends further consideration too soon. To counter availability bias, seek objective data, compare base rates, and consider how memorable events may skew perception.