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The framing effect is where decisions are made based on how the options are presented, rather than on the options themselves Methods to avoid framing effect: A. Present the information equally B. Compare with reference C. Provide balanced reporting D. Present facts E. Present with clear data Some industry and real-life examples: 1. In one of the grocery markets, I was buying Smoked Salmon fish. On the 200 gm packet costing 30 AED, it is mentioned that 10g Carb whereas on the other packet weighing 100 grams costing 14 AED, it was mentioned 4% carb over 100 gm. Both packets are from the same company but the information is presented differently. If someone has to make a choice basis Carb and cost, the person needs to compare both packets on the same scale. 2. In the hospital before getting into surgery, the Doctor mentions a 97% success rate whereas he should also mention a 3% failure rate. Considering health is extremely critical to human beings, one might decide on alternative medicine rather than surgery when he/she hears 03% failure. 3. Investment consultants present options like a fund has a 15% return whereas presenting like this - a fund has had a 15% return while the market average is 8%. This allows investors to make more informed decisions by comparing standardized data 4. Keep the content in natural language – Instead of marketing buy 01 and get 50% off on the second and many more confusing and complex campaigns to be avoided and a clear picture of what the total AED discount is if the purchase value is this much should be practiced. This reduces the framing effect by straightforward comparison. 5. When reporting on a study, include both the benefits and the risks. For instance, "A new drug reduces the risk of heart attack by 30% but may increase the risk of stroke by 5%”. This reduces the framing effect by helping readers understand the full context 6. When presenting a policy, provide both the benefits and the costs. E.g. The new tax reform will save middle-class families an average of $1,000 per year but will also reduce government revenue by $50 billion annually." This helps voters understand the trade-offs involved without being swayed by emotional appeals. 7. Basic example in corporate board rooms, presenters modify the graph scale to show performance visually appealing even though the performance is low. The presenter should provide the real picture to ensure reducing/eliminating the framing effect, appropriate decisions can be made.

You know how sometimes our choices change just because of the way something is said or shown to us? That’s called the Framing Effect. It’s like when a restaurant menu says "95% fat-free" instead of "contains 5% fat"—the first one just sounds better, right? But how can we make sure we’re making decisions based on the real facts, not just clever wording. Here are some methods to avoid this behavior and have data driven decision making: Double-Check the Numbers: Always look at the raw data. If someone says, "This strategy improved sales by 30%," find out what the numbers were before and after. For instance, "Our sales went from $100,000 to $130,000." It’s clearer and gives you a real picture. Ask for Both Sides: Try to see the same information framed in different ways. If a project is presented as having a "90% success rate," ask what the failure rate is. Sometimes, hearing "10% failure rate" can change your perspective and help you make a more balanced decision. Use a Consistent Framework: Develop a standard method for evaluating information. Whether it’s a spreadsheet or a checklist, having a consistent process ensures that you’re comparing apples to apples. For example, if you’re deciding on a vendor, always look at cost, quality, and delivery time in that order. Critical Thinking: Always question the context. Why is this information being presented this way? Is there an agenda? For example, if a report highlights how much time a new software saves but doesn’t mention the cost, dig deeper. Maybe it saves time but at a high expense. Discuss with Others: Get opinions from different people. Different perspectives can highlight biases you might have missed. For example, discuss a potential business strategy with both the finance and marketing teams to get a well-rounded view. A real-life example: Imagine you’re at a team meeting, and your boss, Ravi, presents two options for a new marketing campaign. He says, "Option A has a 70% chance of success, and Option B has a 30% chance of failure." They sound different, right? But they’re actually the same. To avoid the framing effect, focus on the underlying data, like past campaign performances, budget requirements, and potential ROI. By following above mentioned steps, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions based on solid data, no matter how or who framed the information. It’s all about looking past the surface and digging into the real details.