If I was there by myself, would I perform this action?

In the thrilling world of outdoor adventures, it's essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can lead to dangerous situations. One such set of pitfalls are the heuristic traps, mental shortcuts that can be particularly hazardous in harsh and unforgiving environments.

This article is part of an ongoing series with Wilderness Magazine, where we will discuss six main heuristic traps that contribute to almost every outdoor incident, including the conformity heuristic.

The Conformity Heuristic: A Hidden Danger

The concept of conformity or acceptance refers to the desire to fit in or gain approval from others. In outdoor situations, this desire can lead to bold and risky decisions. For instance, in avalanche incidents, males are more likely to be caught in the avalanche if females are in the group, implying that the conformity heuristic is a factor.

Conformity can occur in groups with new or less-experienced members, or unfamiliar group members. In mixed groups, the conformity heuristic can arise when men seek to impress women and women avoid creating conflict. Recognizing actions done due to peer pressure is a challenge in facing up to conformity.

Recognising and Avoiding Heuristic Traps

Heuristic traps are often not acknowledged or understood, but are crucial to understanding and avoiding dangerous situations in the outdoors. Not expressing concerns about worsening conditions can lead to dangerous situations, and failing to voice discomfort with exposure on an alpine section can lead to discomfort for the entire group.

To help recognise conformity heuristic, ask yourself if an action would be taken if alone. If the answer is no, it may be a sign of conformity. The Mountain Safety Council recommends learning to recognise actions done for the sake of appearing favorable to others.

Resources for Learning More

For a comprehensive series on psychological traps in outdoor scenarios, we recommend the English-language book series by Bruce Tremper, particularly "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain", which describes the most common mental traps.

The German Alpine Club (DAV) and the project "Outdoor Safety Skills" also offer regular articles, webinars, and tutorials on risk management, poor decision-making, heuristic traps, and mental shortcuts in the outdoor realm.

Finding the Right Resources

You can find articles series on typical cognitive errors, such as "looking out for beginners", "choosing the wrong group", and "trying to catch the last bus", on the DAV and Outdoor Safety Skills websites. They also offer video and podcast series on mental errors in climbing, ski and snow touring, orienteering, and trekking, as well as case studies with analyses of typical heuristics.

In summary, while a consistent, German-language article or video series directly on a website may not yet exist, the offerings of the DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) and Outdoor Safety Skills cover these topics most comprehensively. We recommend visiting the aforementioned websites and exploring their "Safety" and "Mental" categories for more information!

If you have specific interests in a particular outdoor activity (climbing, ski touring, expeditions), feel free to share more details, and we can suggest a more targeted series for you!

Are you interested in a German-language summary of the heuristic traps commonly found in the outdoor sector? Or would you prefer concrete examples from practice? If so, we can provide you with a summary and tips!