This article presents a technique used to elucidate the anchoring-adjustment heuristic and to integrate the concept with social psychological principles. After drawing a high or low number out of a hat, students estimated the number of yearly stroke-related deaths that occur in the United States. The interaction between type of anchor and familiarity with the heuristic predicted stroke estimates. Class discussion highlighted the power of situational forces, implications of cognitive biases, and methodological issues. Students' pre- and postdemonstration definitions of the anchoring-adjustment heuristic indicated that the demonstration helped them to understand the concept. Students described the demonstration and discussion as informative and enjoyable.
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