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Attribute substitution in systems engineering

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  • Eric D. Smith
  • A. Terry Bahill

Abstract

Cognitive biases affect decision making in systems engineering (SE). Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel laureate for his pioneering studies of cognitive biases in economic decision making, describes many disparate cognitive biases as abstractly belonging to one higher‐level bias, that of attribute substitution. Attribute substitution occurs when an answer about a target attribute is unconscientiously provided by referring to a sublevel heuristic attribute that is simpler or more easily accessible, while other subattributes are ignored. The essence of this biasing process is generalized with real examples at all phases of the systems engineering process. Willful awareness of attribute substitution, however, can help prevent erroneous reduction in focus, and ensure that valid systems are being built to satisfy customer needs. © 2009 Wiley Periodcals, Inc. Syst Eng

Suggested Citation

  • Eric D. Smith & A. Terry Bahill, 2010. "Attribute substitution in systems engineering," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(2), pages 130-148, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:13:y:2010:i:2:p:130-148
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.20138
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. A. Terry Bahill, 2012. "Diogenes, a process for identifying unintended consequences," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(3), pages 287-306, September.
    2. Robin de Graaf & Hans Voordijk & Len van den Heuvel, 2016. "Implementing Systems Engineering in Civil Engineering Consulting Firm: An Evaluation," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(1), pages 44-58, January.

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