An appraiser is valuing a non-complex single-unit residence for a mortgage lender. The appraiser carefully analyzes the subject property's market area trends for the prior 30 years, even though this information is irrelevant, because the appraiser believes this will result in better decision-making. The appraiser is demonstrating ________ bias.

• A. Anchoring bias
• B. Information bias
• C. Selection bias
• D. Confirmation bias

Answer: (B)

Information bias shows up when more data is assumed to mean better decisions, so the person collects and weighs information that isn’t actually relevant to the task. In this case, analyzing 30 years of market-area trends for a simple, non-complex single-family residence—even though it won’t affect the valuation—demonstrates pulling in unnecessary information with the belief it will improve decision-making. The bias isn’t about fixating on an initial value (anchoring), selecting a non-representative sample (selection), or seeking data to confirm a preconception (confirmation). Instead, it’s the idea that more information equals better judgment, which can cloud judgment and waste time. In practice, focus on data that directly informs value, such as recent comps, property condition, and current neighborhood market factors.