For each of the two audit situations below, determine which judgment shortcut or tendency is most prevalent and briefly describe the likely consequences of using the shortcut.
(a) A staff auditor is testing accounts payable balances. The auditor observes an unexpected fluctuation in the account balance compared to the prior year. The client happens to be walking by, so the auditor asks the client about the fluctuation. The client provides a plausible and reasonable explanation. In considering other possible causes for the fluctuation, the client's explanation seems to be the most likely, so the staff auditor documents it as evidence supporting the fluctuation. Later, it is determined that other facts encountered during the audit do not support the client's explanation.
(b) A client has provided the audit engagement team an estimate of the inventory valuation reserve. The client used a method for calculating the reserve that had been used in prior years. To audit the reserve, the engagement team obtained and reviewed the client's calculation. However, the team noted that the client's calculation did not reflect a significant decline in customer demand for an older product line that was losing popularity relative to the newer products. The engagement team suggested that the client adjust the reserve upward. The client argued that the current reserve amount was adequate but indicated that a small increase in the reserve would be acceptable. The engagement team reviewed the client's proposal, and ultimately accepted the inventory account as fairly stated in view of the increase to the reserve. However, within a few months after the financial statements and audit report were issued, it became apparent that the reserve was insufficient as significant inventory write-downs were recorded for obsolete inventory that was discarded at scrap value.