Which factor can exacerbate the anchoring effect in decision-making?

The anchoring effect in decision-making refers to the cognitive bias where individuals rely heavily on the first piece of information they encounter (the "anchor") when making decisions. When considering complexity in the information presented, it can exacerbate the anchoring effect because complex information may lead to cognitive overload or confusion. In such scenarios, individuals may cling even more to the initial anchor since it serves as a reference point amidst the overwhelming data.

When information is complex, it can be challenging for individuals to process all the details, which may result in an overreliance on the anchor. If the initial information is misleading or incorrect, this can further skew the decision-making process. For instance, if an initial price is presented in a complicated pricing structure, people may anchor on that price instead of evaluating the full context, leading them to make less informed choices.

In contrast, other factors like the amount of time available for making a decision, the individual's previous experiences, and their emotional state might impact the decision-making process, but they do not directly heighten the anchoring effect in the same way that complexity does. Time pressure may lead to simplification of choices, previous experiences may provide counterarguments to the anchor, and emotions can influence overall decision-making but not strictly