| dc.description.abstract | Several different explanations have been suggested as the mechanism behind the anchoring
heuristic. The first to be proposed was anchoring and adjustment, although since its
introduction it has largely fallen out of favour and has been replaced by theories of selective
accessibility and attitude change. Despite this, evidence has recently emerged indicating a
separate mechanism for self-generated anchors when compared to the classic paradigm of
externally provided anchors. In their case it seems that the anchoring and adjustment
explanation is applicable, and furthermore that the extent of adjustment could be manipulated
in experiments by acutely inducing stress. This paper looked at whether this same pattern
could be found due to everyday variations in perceived stress. In addition, as previous
research has found women to have greater stress responses and different tendencies in
decision making, it was investigated whether perceived stress may mediate a relationship
between gender and adjustment, and whether gender has a direct effect on adjustment. Data
was gathered via a survey which was distributed using snowball sampling (N = 184) and
made using the online software Qualtrics. The PSS-10 was used to measure stress levels, and
five estimation questions prompting the use of self-generated anchors were sourced from
previous research and used to measure extent of adjustment. None of the proposed
relationships between gender, stress, and adjustment were found in the data gathered. Further
research is undoubtedly required to conclusively determine whether this was due to an actual
absence of effect, or to methodological limitations in the present research. | |
