Analysts prefer available data over data relevant to their questions

Evidence

We find the story of the drunkard’s search humorous because we recognize that it is not entirely fictitious: people do look where the light is brightest. Nor is it entirely foolish: the costs of gathering and processing information need to be taken into account by any intelligent decision maker. But the pattern cannot be entirely explained by the rational search for and use of information. The data that analysts and decision makers use are often more distinguished by their ready availability than by their relation to the questions being asked. Like people in their everyday lives, statesmen tend to see a minimum of causal factors at work, minimize uncertainty, use simple benchmarks and analogies, and make comparisons that are manageable but inappropriate. Intellectual resources are conserved, but at a high price. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2618 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

In the law, as well as in life itself, judging is the act of selecting and weighing facts and suggestions as they present themselves, as well as of deciding whether the alleged facts are really facts and whether an idea suggested is a sound idea or merely a fancy. — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 165 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Analysts substitute the measurable question of relative strength for the relevant one of sufficiency; Analysts prefer absolutes, easily quantified metrics, and familiar data over complex assessment — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2596; Decision makers favor readily available information over information relevant to the question — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2618 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Decision makers favor readily available information over information relevant to the question #corroborates (0.95) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2618
• Judging requires selecting relevant facts and evaluating relative values #complicates (0.75) — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 165