Recognition Heuristic

This bias involves assigning a higher value to an object we recognize. The heuristic is considered rational when the recognition criterion has some validity.

NoteExample

Texas cities

Guessing whether someone from Texas lives in Houston or San Antonio (which are generally more well-known locations) vs. Arlington (not that well-known). Since Houston and San Antonio are more recognizable, they are more likely to be chosen as answers. In this case, the bias has some validity and leads to a better choice: their larger populations make it more probable that a random Texan lives in one of them.

Houston and San Antonio: more well-known and also more populous.

Also relates to: Familiarity · Fluency Heuristic · Illusion of Validity · Availability Heuristic