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MENTAL MODEL · M0326

Zero-Risk Bias

Zero-Risk Bias
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Psychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

People tend to prefer completely eliminating a small risk (reducing it to 0%) over alternatives that significantly reduce overall risk (e.g., reducing overall risk from 50% to 10%).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Optimize resource allocation. It reveals our irrational pursuit of certainty. When resources are limited, one should aim to minimize overall risk rather than obsess over eliminating a specific local risk, because the cost of eliminating the last 1% of risk is often extremely high.

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Anchor fast decisions

Zero-risk bias refers to the strong preference for reducing a particular risk to zero, even if it is more costly and results in less overall risk reduction; people are willing to pay for the 'complete elimination' of a subset.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-risk_biasZH · Explicit
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