The tendency for an available starting value to influence a later numerical judgement, even when the final estimate is adjusted from that starting point.

# Anchoring

Anchoring matters in delivery governance when a rough date or cost is repeated as though it were settled. The research establishes a general judgement effect; it does not show that every stakeholder will anchor or quantify its size in software work.

The practical distinction is between a number and a decision record. A forecast can contain a number, but should also show its assumptions, uncertainty and revision trigger.

## Sources

- tversky-kahneman-anchoring-1974 (primary)