If two methods achieve the same result equally well, what does the law of least effort predict?
Answer & explanation
People tend to favor the less demanding method
When two approaches yield the same result, people generally prefer the one that demands less effort. This economizes on limited attention, and is often sensible in routine settings. But a familiar, easy answer can be less accurate than a slower method, particularly when the problem contains subtle constraints.
Thinking, fast and slow
Chapter 2 · Attention and Effort
Reviewed public question · version 3
