Behavioral concept graphic

Default bias

Default bias is the tendency for an individual to select a pre-set or default option during a strategic decision. There are a few explanations for this phenomenon. For one, people tend to adhere to the easiest option to avoid complex decisions. Alternatively, a default may signal a norm towards a certain option. In all explanations, defaults provide a cognitive shortcut and signal indicating a desired behavior.

Relevant Academic Papers
  • Dinner, I., Johnson, E. J., Goldstein, D. G., & Liu, K. (2011). Partitioning default effects: why people choose not to choose. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 17(4), 332.