The Anchoring Trap, the Joy of Meaninglessness, and the Carling Cup

By Eric Beard, who finally turned 21 today

A friend of mine said to me Wednesday morning, “How many goals do you think Chelsea will win by? No way they put six in again, right? I think Newcastle will put up a good fight, so Liverpool will probably outscore Chelsea for once.” The Anchoring Trap is, simply, over-relying on your first thoughts. So if I asked (an ill-informed) you, “How many professional clubs are there in England? More or less than 40?”, then you may very well guess over 40, but your specific answer will likely be nowhere near the true number of 92. Anyway, it was early (10 am is early for a college student), and I was tired while walking towards by Strategic Management class. This was essentially my thought process: “Chelsea are amazing, but Liverpool are playing a team I have never heard of. Therefore, advantage Liverpool.” I was caught in the anchoring trap like a fool. His question assumed victories for Chelsea and Liverpool, and his assumption, through the ineffable footballing transitive property, became my perception.

(Source: philosofooty)