Sutton's Law
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Bank robber Willie Sutton, when asked why he robbed banks, replied, "Because that's where the money is." In diagnosis, one should first consider the most obvious and likely diagnosis rather than first ruling out rare diseases.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Go straight to the point: when solving a problem, first go to the place where resources/problems are most concentrated (high-probability area). Don't go into the weeds first to show how smart you are.
Anchor fast decisions
Taken from Charlie Sutton (bank robber) who went where the money is. Medical extension: when diagnosing, first check the most likely, most dangerous, and most easily detectable direction.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutton%27s_lawverified
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