Decision Making

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

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

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

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

• Problem Solving
• Cognitive Psychology
• Behavioral Economics

Decision Making Resources
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