Information bias
The tendency to seek more information even when it cannot change what we will do. Extra data can feel like progress while only delaying the decision.
In everyday life
A doctor orders extra tests that would not change the treatment plan, just to feel more thorough.
You've already decided to buy the laptop that fits your budget, but you spend three more evenings reading reviews of models you would never buy.
Why your mind does this
Simple, clear options are faster to understand and easier to act on, and when time is short that speed matters. Known odds and complete information feel safer because they let us predict what will happen. Preferring the clear option often saves effort that would be wasted on puzzles we can't solve.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Simple & complete
How to spot it
Ask what you would do differently if this new piece of information came back one way or the other.
How to counter it
Set a deadline for research, and when it arrives, decide with what you have.