In the [experiment](https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=3a9bdf026c5e6bbea2cd9f715c430984cecb10da), participants were asked to price out:
* L = dinnerware set with 24 intact pieces.
* H = dinnerware set with 31 intact pieces (including the same 24 as L) plus a few broken ones
It turns out that when evaluated separately L was more attractive to people than H. The group that was asked to price both H and L, rationally set that price(H) > price(L). However, when one group was set to price *only* H, and another group to price *only* L, the L-group priced higher than H-group.
One explanation why this happens is the [[Take-the-best heuristic]] heuristic, and
[[System 1 is good with averages, not sums]].
This has deep implications in real life, like [[Stick to your best arguments]] and [[Scope Neglect]]. It's why [[Single Decisive Reason]] framework is so powerful.
Read more [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Less-is-better_effect) and [here](https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/less-is-better-effect/),
#published 2025-01-18