Decision-Making Biases

Sample size neglect

Overtrusting patterns from small samples.

What Is Sample size neglect?

Sample size neglect is a thinking trap where overtrusting patterns from small samples.

How It Tricks You

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

Real-World Example

A restaurant is judged from two reviews.

Seen Online As

• The chart looks convincing before I check the sample.
• One number is being asked to carry the whole argument.
• The data point feels cleaner than the data really is.

What To Ask Instead

Is this enough data to mean anything?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Money Decisions

Quick FAQ

What is Sample size neglect?

Overtrusting patterns from small samples.

What is an example of Sample size neglect?

A restaurant is judged from two reviews.

How do I spot Sample size neglect?

Is this enough data to mean anything?