Decision-Making Biases

Framing effect

Reacting differently depending on how the same choice is presented.

What Is Framing effect?

Framing effect is a thinking trap where reacting differently depending on how the same choice is presented.

How It Tricks You

It can make one option feel obvious before the tradeoffs have been checked.

Real-World Example

A treatment sounds better when described as 90% survival instead of 10% mortality.

Seen Online As

• The way this is worded already tells me who is wrong.
• Saying it that way makes one option sound obviously worse.
• The question feels answered before the facts show up.

What To Ask Instead

How else could this exact option be framed?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Loss aversion
• Status quo bias

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Money Decisions

Quick FAQ

What is Framing effect?

Reacting differently depending on how the same choice is presented.

What is an example of Framing effect?

A treatment sounds better when described as 90% survival instead of 10% mortality.

How do I spot Framing effect?

How else could this exact option be framed?