Similarity Quote by Thomas Gilovich
““In other words, when testing a hypothesis of similarity, people look for evidence of similarity rather than dissimilarity, and when testing a hypothesis of dissimilarity, they do the opposite. The relationship one perceives between two entities, then, can vary with the precise form of the question that is asked.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Judgment and Decision Making, Thomas Gilovich, 1995
People’s perception of similarity depends on how a question is framed, leading them to seek confirming evidence for the posed hypothesis.
In simple terms: Question framing shapes perceived similarity.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of framing bias.
Themes
cognition
perception
bias
decision making
psychology
Mood
analytical
critical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- research design
- survey analysis
- marketing research
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
framing effect
similarity assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How might alternative wording change your conclusions?
- Do you consider both similarity and dissimilarity?
A Different Perspective
Framing can obscure true relationships.
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