Training, experience and the anchoring effect in relation to diagnostic accuracy

Accurate diagnosis and assessment in clinical psychology is essential to effective treatment. However, diagnostic errors can occur due to cognitive biases. A common bias is the anchoring effect which occurs when initial information dominates the decision making process. This study examines the relationship between the anchoring effect and training and experience. Registered Psychologists (N=121) were required to read case material and then formulate a diagnosis. Prior to reading the material, one group read a medical doctor's referral letter suggesting a diagnosis of either depression or anxiety. While no evidence of the anchoring effect was found, the results showed that psychologists with higher academic qualifications were significantly more accurate in their diagnosis. Amongst those with lower academic qualifications, number of years of experience was related to accuracy. The results are discussed in relation to the training model for psychologists that operates in Australia.