What is Choice: Definition and 693 Discussions

A choice is the range of different things from which you can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models. For example, a traveler might choose a route for a journey based on the preference of arriving at a given destination at a specified time. The preferred (and therefore chosen) route can then account for information such as the length of each of the possible routes, the amount of fuel in the vehicle, traffic conditions, etc.
Simple choices might include what to eat for dinner or what to wear on a Saturday morning – choices that have relatively low-impact on the chooser's life overall. More complex choices might involve (for example) what candidate to vote for in an election, what profession to pursue, a life partner, etc. – choices based on multiple influences and having larger ramifications.
Freedom of choice is generally cherished, whereas a severely limited or artificially restricted choice can lead to discomfort with choosing, and possibly an unsatisfactory outcome. In contrast, a choice with excessively numerous options may lead to confusion, reduced satisfaction, regret of the alternatives not taken, and indifference in an unstructured existence;
and the illusion that choosing an object or a course, necessarily leads to the control of that object or course, can cause psychological problems.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. awer

    Best speed reducer for a simple project (gearbox design choice)

    Hi, As the summary says, I'm trying to design a simple gearbox with an approximate ratio of 20:1. I have two preliminary designs, one using a worm gear and another using a train of 5 spur gears. Both designs give me the desired ratio, but I really don't know which one I should choose. The...
  2. M

    Programs Module Choice advice for a theoretical physics degree (Durham)

    I'm starting at Durham on the 29th of September and I need to get my module choices sorted. I have the choice between 40 credits of maths modules designed for scientists, and 40 credits of maths modules done by regular maths students. They say that you should only do the regular maths modules if...
  3. pslarsen

    Boat autopilot remote (question about transister choice)

    Hi, I'm about to build an autopilot remote for my boat, manual found here: http://www3.sympatico.ca/ericn/Files/Other/DIY Autohelm ST4000.pdf In the scheme I need to use two transisters, a 2N4402 (PNP) and a 2N4400 (NPN) as illustrated here: As I don't have these transisters can I use a...
  4. S

    Other Should I pursue a Master's or PhD from BS EE? Perception of this choice?

    After I finished my EE degree (Major/Cumul GPA: 3.6, mostly A's in math and physics) in December 2015, I began work as a programmer at an electric company for a couple of years. I saved up a good amount of money and established myself to the point where I have the free time to even think about...
  5. B

    Voltmeter problem from (OCR paper) multiple choice

    As you can see when the switch is open it measures the voltage across the battery or emf I am assuming when calculating the internal resistance when the switch is closed voltage is 6 right so the internal resistance is 6/2 =3 which is not correct. answer is A Does this mean when the switch is...
  6. B

    Potential at a point multiple choice question ( aqa)

    I understand how they arrived at the answer of 2Q , but i have a couple of questions on this. If one of the charges were negative for example how would the resultant potential be found then? at the middle point would i add the positive charges and subtracted the negative ? Also what would the...
  7. NP04

    Simple kinematics multiple choice question

    I selected A, because the ball is merely in motion due to the force of gravity (after applied force). My teacher has not concerned us with air resistance so can someone please explain why the correct answer is C? I reasoned that gravity was always accelerating the ball at -9.8 m/s^2...
  8. A

    Admissions Think I made the wrong choice of PhD

    Hey folks. I could really use some advice as I'm in a bit of a situation... I graduated in 2018 with a 1st in Theoretical Physics from a well respected UK uni, and at the time I was fairly sure that I wanted to pursue a PhD in HEP. I had tailored my final year MSci modules to reflect this, and...
  9. B

    B Delayed choice quantum communication - "Berlin riddle"

    At 12.00h a specific event is being expected in Berlin, whether the wall ist teared down, or not. The sender is in Berlin and wants to send the information about the event to the recipient on the moon. Both sides know about the possibly upcoming event. As the light takes 1 second to the moon...
  10. entropy2information

    B Doesn't the choice of measurement prove free will

    I was reading the free will theorem and it basically says that subatomic particles and observers have to have free will because there's nothing prior to measurement that predetermines the outcome. Here's more: The free will theorem states: Given the axioms, if the two experimenters in question...
  11. CharlieCW

    Eigenvalues dependent on choice of $\vec{A}$?

    Homework Statement A particle with spin s=1/2 moves under the influence of a magnetic field given by: $$\vec{A}=B(-y,0,0)$$ Find the eigenvalues of the corresponding Pauli hamiltonian. Repeat the same process for: $$\vec{A}=\frac{B}{2}(-y,x,0)$$ Explain your result by relating the...
  12. DucemBarr

    Help with high friction material choice

    Howdy! Could anyone advise on some high friction material combination ? I can't disclose full details of the application, but basically two flat parts a pressed together and force is applied along the plane of the joint. The pieces are about 4 square in, the force applied about 100 psi...
  13. Alex Torres

    B Entanglement and delayed choice measurements

    A laser gun pumps one photon at a time that goes thru an SPDC process and two entangled photons are generated...photon A and photon B... Photon A is sent to Bob who has a standard DS setup located a couple of meters away from the laser pump... since the photon is in superposition of states he...
  14. Alex Torres

    I FTL communication via delayed choice measurement

    <Moderator's note: 2 threads merged as it is an identical topic.> Given Kim's version of DCQE, let's say Bob in on Earth looking at d0, Alice is on Mars holding the prism that deflects the idler coming from (a) to d3 or (b) to d4. After the experiment run ends Bob should get clump at d0 without...
  15. Eli Puerto

    Schools Help in Uni choice (Philippines)

    So application season is ongoing, and entrance test season is upcoming in September. I'm just having a bit of trouble choosing from the three: Ateneo de Manila University De La Salle University University of the Philippines Which school from the Philippines is the most credible in terms of...
  16. Zaya Bell

    Career Choice: In between two opinions

    I am a university student studying physics hoping to chase a career in the field. But recently I discovered my love and talent for explaining science in a basic level people who have no idea what it is that they understand, I also like convincing some unbelievers that science works. Then even...
  17. Grinkle

    B History question -- The choice of the North Pole being up or down

    The choice of the North Pole being up on a map is arbitrary as far as I know. Is it that way because publishing cartographers came mostly from the northern hemisphere? Is there some reason related to navigation (like Polaris being over the north pole) that might motivate even a southern...
  18. T

    I Axiom of Choice: Disjoint Family ##\Rightarrow ## Power Set

    So apparently the proof involves a trick that converts the problem of a general power set ##\mathscr{P}(M)## of some set ##M## which has of course the property of not having pairwise disjoint set-elements to a problem that involves disjoint set-elements. I do not understand why this trick is...
  19. Q

    Engineering Course Choice: Robotics, ML, Adaptive Signal Processing

    I wasn't sure if I should post this here or academic guidance but given the career factor in this question I will post it here: I am doing a masters in electrical engineering with a focus on signal processing but I am also interested in others areas such as machine learning and robotics. I need...
  20. S

    A About the “Axiom of Dependent Choice”

    I learned something new today: the “Axiom of Dependent Choice”: The axiom can be stated as follows: For every nonempty set ##X## and every entire binary relation ##R## on ##X##, there exists a sequence ##(x_n)_{ n \in \mathbb{N} }## in ##X## such that ##x_nRx_{n+1}## for all ##n \in...
  21. S

    MHB About the “Axiom of Dependent Choice”

    I learned something new today: the “Axiom of Dependent Choice”: The axiom can be stated as follows: For every nonempty set $X$ and every entire binary relation $R$ on $X$, there exists a sequence $(x_n)_{ n \in \mathbb{N} }$ in $X$ such that $x_nRx_{n+1}$ for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$. (Here, an...
  22. D

    Multiple choice on uncertainty

    1. A student measures the density of a metal and calculates answer to be 8543.2kgm^-1 . The result is accurate to +- 1.1% Which of the following states answer to an appropriete number of sig figs? A 8.543x10^3 B 8.5x10^3 C 9x10^3 D 8.54x10^3 2. Relative Uncertainty = Absolute Uncertainty/...
  23. EF17xx

    Emf in a circuit (multiple choice question)

    Homework Statement Correct answer is Homework Equations emf = I(R + r) The Attempt at a Solution When current flows the voltage across the battery is less than the emf so it's not A I really don't understand why the answer is C because B, C, D all seem correct to me. Please help me with...
  24. EF17xx

    Standing wave in a tube -- multiple choice question

    Homework Statement The correct answer according to answer sheet is answer B. Homework Equations λn= 2L/n (both ends open) λn = 4L/n (one end open one end closed) c=λf Speed of sound does not change. as it is still in air... (correct assumption? ) The Attempt at a Solution f1= 500Hz L =...
  25. EF17xx

    Why is D the correct answer for this multiple choice question?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Fnet= Δp/Δt p=mv The Attempt at a Solution p (before) = 0.4 x 5 = 2 p (after) = 0.4 x 3 = 1.2 Δp = 0.8 Δt = 0.2 Fnet= Δp/Δt 0.8/0.2 = 4N Correct answer in textbook is D, I do not understand why?
  26. alijan kk

    Complex number multiple choice

    Homework Statement If Z= (1)/(z conjugate) then Z : ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution let z= a+bi the z conjugate= a-bi (a+bi)=(1)/(a-bi) (a+bi)(a-bi)=1 a2+b2=1 does it tell from this expresssion that the complex number is a pure real ?
  27. Z

    Impulse: multiple choice question

    Hi all Can anyone please help me with Q14 (attached) as you can see I am getting 167000N however the correct answer is 83000N Many thanks ZanyZoya
  28. Rohan de Silva

    I Delayed Choice with both slits closed, What happens?

    I am reading about this most famous experiment in physics, the double-slit experiment. My question is very simple: in the "Delayed Choice" version, have they done the test where they close BOTH SLITS (at once) after the photon has passed the slits?? If so, what have been the result? Can you...
  29. S

    B Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser Experiment Results

    Hello everyone. I want to ask some questions about dcqe experiments results which are bugging my mind. It is so hard to find reliable sources in my native language so I'm here. Also sorry for my scuffed english. Assuming we all know the famous experiment setup, I am directly passing to the...
  30. heavystray

    B Why Do We Use Different Pairs of Filters to Determine the Temperature of Stars?

    Hi, in determining the temperature of stars using colour index (U-B,B-V,V-R, etc), why do we need to use the appropriate pairs of filters based on their range of temperature? (this is what i read from wiki) For cool stars, we use R-I, and for hotter stars, we use B-V. I don't understand how...
  31. Phillane

    I Delayed Choice / Quantum Eraser Experiment Question?

    Hello, Disclaimer: I have read other posts and understand it is important to reference ‘sources’ and that popular science articles / videos can be a source of annoyance. However, I am struggling to: A. Find an answer to my question, and/or B. Understand if my question is even valid. I hope...
  32. J

    External characteristics of a DC generator are.... (multiple choice)

    Homework Statement Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think External char = Magnaetic characteristics - Armature reaction drop - Ohmic drop since we're subtracting these values from voltage. But book answer is D. Magnetization char + armature reaction - Ohmic drop. Is book...
  33. MichPod

    I What is the value of "delayed choice" experiments?

    What is the value of "delayed choice" experiments? Disclaimer: I do realize that nearly any experiment deserves to be performed even to make sure the QM theory predicts the results of such experiment right. So I have no objections to the work of people which implemented these sorts of...
  34. Alfredo Tifi

    I Wheeler's delayed choice doesn't change the past

    I'm delightfully reading the Grand Design by Hawking-Mlodinow. After many years, I became persuaded from it that Feynman's interpretation as multiple paths of interference patterns in the double slit experiment and, more generally, his path integral approach to quantum mechanics, are superior to...
  35. J

    EMI Multiple choice question

    Homework Statement More than one options may be correct . Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] Options a) and c) are correct . But I don't understand how non magnetic metal reacts to the magnetic field . Is it in some way related to ferromagnetism ? But then either both b)...
  36. J

    AC circuit Multiple choice question

    Homework Statement More than one options may be correct . Homework Equations Inductive reactance =ωL Capacitive reactance = 1/ωC The Attempt at a Solution On increasing the frequency , inductive reactance increases whereas capacitive reactance decreases . Thus , option a) is correct ...
  37. Y

    Angular momentum multiple choice question

    Homework Statement Hello, Here is a multiple choice question I would like to be clarified. Suppose that the angular momentum of a system can take the values 0, 1, 2. One carries out a measurement of ##J_z##,the state of the system will: ##a##-Be perfectly known if the result is 0 ##b##-Be...
  38. M

    Electrostatics Boundary condition and coordinate choice

    Homework Statement So I have an equation V = Ae(kx)+Be(-kx) And boundary conditons V= V0 when x=0 and V= 0 when x=b 2. Homework Equations I have solved ones where v=0 at x=0 where it nicely simplifies as the exponentials =1 and the Coeffecients A=-B which leads to a sinh function and I...
  39. Conductivity

    Understanding Torque: Choosing the Point of Rotation for Rotational Motion

    I have a little bit of confusion here :c I don't understand something about torque. I can prove every definition about rotational motion if I assume that a point mass is moving in a circular motion. and if I also define a point of rotation I don't need an object to rotate in order to have...
  40. CrunchBerries

    Programs Having a tough choice between EE and Physics degree

    I know this subject has been beaten to death, and I have been reading many threads here on this very subject. I have the opportunity to select one of these majors. The physics program seems like the most interesting. The EE is more in my current career experience as a technician, also very...
  41. R

    A Need (or not) for invoking axiom of choice in a certain case

    I was wondering about the following scenario, we have a certain differentiable manifold with the standard topology not induced by any previous metric structure on the manifold. There is no natural way to identify a vector with its dual(no canonical isomorphism between them), If we had to...
  42. L

    Schools Did I make the wrong choice? - Grad School Advice

    My undergraduate degrees are in math and physics, but I decided to apply for graduate school in engineering (specifically environmental engineering). I was lucky enough to be accepted to almost all of the programs I applied to, but I only received one research position offer (that would pay for...
  43. FallenApple

    A Axiom of Choice not self evident?

    It seems that it is self evident. After all, a set A consists of things. These things exist as part of the set. Therefore the idea is that I can think about the item of the set without really thinking about the other items in that set. The set is in a sense the totality of the parts. Why is this...
  44. L

    2D lattice, primitive cell choice

    Homework Statement When calculating the Fourier coefficients of the potential of the following lattice (the potential is a sum of deltas at the atom sites): I get the wrong coefficients if I choose the following primitve cell, with primitve vectors a1,a2: And the right coefficients if I...
  45. K

    B Does Every Set in the Axiom of Choice Include an Empty Set?

    Following theorems are congruent(a) Axiom of Choice (b) if ∀i:i∈I: <Yi | i∈I > → Yi≠Ø (c) Ø∉S → ∃f: f is on a set S s.t. f(X)∈X for all X∈S. where f is choice function of S. I am confused with the theorem (c), as how the Collection S does not include empty set. I believe every set needs to...
  46. J

    I Ascending subset sequence with axiom of choice

    Is it possible to use Axiom of Choice to prove that there would exist a sequence (A_n)_{n=1,2,3,\ldots} with the properties: A_n\subset\mathbb{R} for all n=1,2,3,\ldots, A_1\subset A_2\subset A_3\subset\cdots and \lim_{k\to\infty} \lambda^*(A_k) < \lambda^*\Big(\bigcup_{k=1}^{\infty}...
  47. L

    Two computational theory language questions - multi choice

    Homework Statement ##1)## Which one of the following is an example of a set ##S## such that the language ##S^*## has the same number of 8-letter words as 4-letter words? 1) ##S = \{aaaa \quad bbbb\}## 2) ##S = \{bbbb \quad bbbbbb\}## 3) ##S = \{aa \quad bb\}## 4) ##S = \{a \quad bbbb\}##...
  48. A

    B Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser - Experimental Details

    What exactly happens during the time gap between the detectors being activated, and the eraser subsequently wiping out the information after the results screen has received the photons? For example, do we "observe" the interference pattern being absent and then (gradually or immediately)...
  49. hideelo

    A Srednicki's normalization choice for lie algebra generators

    IN Srednicki's QFT he seems to make two different choices for normalizing the generators of lie algebras. In chapter 24 (eqn 24.5) he chooses Tr (TaTb) = 2 δab and in chapter 69 (eqn 69.8) he chooses Tr (TaTb) = (1/2) δab Is there a reason for this? Is there any particular reason to make one...
  50. bachir1994

    Choice of a generator set for a drilling pump

    Hello everyone, I am faced with a problem where I have to power a 30kw drilling pump, with a generator of 45kw (model Gesan), but it does not work. At start-up the current reaches the peak of 190 A and descends gradually, for information the start-up of the pump of the drilling is done by a...
Back
Top