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PMI-ACP · Question #298

During Sprint Planning, the architect is constantly estimating higher than everyone else, and team members are increasing their estimates to accommodate her. This is an example of:

The correct answer is D. Anchoring. Anchoring is a cognitive bias in which an initial piece of information (the 'anchor') disproportionately influences subsequent judgments. When the architect consistently gives high estimates first, other team members unconsciously adjust their own estimates upward toward hers…

Submitted by stefanr· Apr 18, 2026Team Performance

Question

During Sprint Planning, the architect is constantly estimating higher than everyone else, and team members are increasing their estimates to accommodate her. This is an example of:

Options

  • ADominating
  • BInfluencing
  • CDictating
  • DAnchoring

How the community answered

(45 responses)
  • A
    11% (5)
  • B
    4% (2)
  • C
    4% (2)
  • D
    80% (36)

Explanation

Anchoring is a cognitive bias in which an initial piece of information (the 'anchor') disproportionately influences subsequent judgments. When the architect consistently gives high estimates first, other team members unconsciously adjust their own estimates upward toward hers. This is a known problem in estimation sessions, which is why techniques like Planning Poker are used - they require all participants to reveal estimates simultaneously, preventing anchoring. Influencing is broader, dominating refers to controlling behavior, and dictating refers to unilaterally imposing decisions.

Topics

#Anchoring bias#Agile estimation#Sprint Planning#Team dynamics

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