What does framing refer to in cognitive psychology?

Framing in cognitive psychology refers to the way information is presented, which significantly influences how individuals interpret it and make decisions. This concept highlights that the same information can lead to different outcomes depending on how it is structured or worded. For example, a question framed in a positive light, such as “75% of respondents said they were satisfied,” may elicit a more favorable response than if it were framed negatively, such as “25% of respondents said they were dissatisfied.” This demonstrates that the context and presentation of information are crucial in shaping perceptions, judgments, and choices.

While the other options reflect important cognitive processes—such as maintaining initial beliefs (anchoring), using past experiences to estimate probabilities (availability heuristic), and assessing oneself (self-perception bias)—they do not specifically capture the essence of framing, which centers on the influence of presentation on decision-making.