Decision Making

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Decision Making is a cognitive process that results in the selection of a course of action among several alternatives. Every decision-making process produces a final choice that may or may not prompt action.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Decision Making involves the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of Decision Making involves the following steps:

  1. Identifying the decision: The first step in making any decision is recognizing that there's a problem that needs to be solved.
  2. Gathering information: Once you have identified the need for a decision, it's important to gather information about it. This might involve finding additional facts or data, or seeking advice from others.
  3. Identifying alternatives: Once you have a clear understanding of the decision to be made, you can begin to identify possible alternatives.
  4. Weighing the evidence: After identifying the alternatives, you need to weigh the evidence against each one. This involves considering the pros and cons of each possible decision.
  5. Choosing among alternatives: Once you have weighed all the evidence, you can make your decision.
  6. Taking action: After making a decision, the next step is to put it into action.
  7. Reviewing the decision: After the decision has been put into action, it's important to review the results and determine if it was the right decision.

Types of Decision Making[edit | edit source]

There are several types of Decision Making, including:

  1. Rational Decision Making: This is a multi-step process for making choices between alternatives. The process of rational decision making favors logic, objectivity, and analysis over subjectivity and insight.
  2. Intuitive Decision Making: This is a decision-making approach that relies on a holistic view, recognizing patterns, and seeking new solutions. It is often contrasted with the rational decision-making process.
  3. Satisficing Decision Making: This is a decision-making strategy that aims for a satisfactory or adequate result, rather than the optimal solution.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Decision Making Resources
Wikipedia
Medicine-stub.png
This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD