Psychological Determinants of Decision Making

Conference paper
First Online:
Part of the Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics book series (SPBE)

Abstract

Decision making has been a subject of study in many scientific fields. It is psychological studies, however, that have brought significant contribution to understanding mechanisms that underlie making choices by individuals. The purpose of this chapter is first of all the description of mental processes, also referred to as decision-making activities, that are involved in various stages of decision-making. The second purpose is to present two systems of information processing which are engaged in varying degrees in the process. Moreover, the chapter describes the strategy of decision making, i.e. the heuristics allowing for prompt and economical actions. It also defines the role of free will and self-control in the decision-making processes. What is of key importance is the explanation from the psychological perspective of the process of decision making under uncertainty as well as the discussion of potential negative consequences of complex decisions made by individuals, groups and communities.

Keywords

Decision making Cognitive functions Cognitive dualism Consequences of decision making 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychoprophylaxis, Institute of PsychologyUniversity of SzczecinSzczecinPoland

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