Abstract
The present study investigated the efficacy of a utility model for training in “real-life” decision-making. Within the framework of this model, decisions are based upon a careful assessment of the consequences of all possible solution alternatives. Three treatment conditions were compared: (1) Comprehensive Criteria (CC), where instructions were provided in the specific decision-making procedures and criteria described in the model; (2) Utility Rule (UR), where the subjects were simply provided with a definition of the general utility-oriented approach to decision-making; and (3) No Instructions (NI), where subjects were not given any formal instructions in how to go about making effective decisions. Subjects were given a list of alternative solutions for 12 experimental problems and asked to pick the best one. The results supported the hypothesis that instructions in specific decisionmaking criteria would significantly enhance decision-making effectiveness. The potential of the present model for facilitating social competence in treatment and community education programs was discussed.
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D'Zurilla, T. J., & Nezu, A.A study of the generation-of-alternatives process in social problem solving. Manuscript submitted for publication, 1979.
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This paper is based on portions of a thesis submitted by the first author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The authors would like to express appreciation to Nina Wilbur and Marvin R. Goldfried for their useful comments on earlier drafts of this paper, and to Donna Bennasutti and Nancy Tegtmeier for their valuable assistance in the implementation of parts of this experiment.
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Nezu, A., D'Zurilla, T.J. An experimental evaluation of the decision-making process in social problem solving. Cogn Ther Res 3, 269–277 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185967
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185967