What is Decision: Definition and 163 Discussions

In psychology, decision-making (also spelled decision making and decisionmaking) is regarded as the cognitive process resulting in the selection of a belief or a course of action among several possible alternative options, it could be either rational or irrational. Decision-making process is a reasoning process based on assumptions of values, preferences and beliefs of the decision-maker. Every decision-making process produces a final choice, which may or may not prompt action.
Research about decision-making is also published under the label problem solving, particularly in European psychological research.

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  1. W

    Major Decision: Advice for Picking Degree Programs

    Hey guys, I've been a fly on the wall in these forums for a while, and I'd like some advice from everyone. I just received my acceptance letter for the University of Rochester, my major is Physics. I completed Calc I through III and Physics I and II at a local community college, and...
  2. I

    News SCOTUS Decision: Some Sex Offenders Indefinitely Incarcerated.

    http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/05/17/scotus.sex.offenders/index.html?hpt=T1 My heart is thrilled, but I cannot resolve this with the principles of American jurisprudence, and the notion that sex offenders are more incorrigable than a thieving and murdering sociopath isn't intellectually sound...
  3. N

    Schools Making a College Decision: RPI vs. Stony Brook

    Hello, I got my acceptance letters back from most of the schools I applied to and most of my financial aid packages. I want to go for engineering (I haven't decided exact discipline, but I was accepted to Electrical Engineering, because that is what my interest was listed as) So far I can...
  4. F

    Programs Is this a wise decision? At all? Doing a double major and a minor

    If I were to do a double major in Physics and Mathematics, should I do a minor in English? Or should I do a minor in something like Psychology?
  5. C

    Should I Drop Classes I Dislike for Better Grades or Keep Them for More Credits?

    Hey guys, I'm a third year undergrad student taking Physics & Math. I'm not sure which of the two I'm going to go to grad school for yet, but both are a possibility. I recently got back some bad test marks for these two classes I'm in that I really dislike (atomic physics, and relativistic...
  6. C

    Theory that most physicists believe that the decision

    what is the theory that most physicists believe that the decisions that we didn't make we live them on another life? something like that please help
  7. Pattonias

    News Obama needs to make a decision.

    Either give our troops the reinforcements they need in Afghanistan or don't. Quit beating around the bush and get on with it. This indecision is making him look weak and our foreign policy appear indecisive. He is taking an issue that is costing the lives of our troops and making it a purely...
  8. W

    Grad School: Balancing Skills and Sub-Areas in Physics?

    So I'm in my first year of Grad school, where there is a crap load of groups I would like to join. Things like plasma physics (fluid dynamics has always interested me and I'm taking a class on it now), single-molecule detectors, one-way nanopores, and a crapload of things from the engineering...
  9. V

    Decision making, after graduating. PHY, MAT, and MET.

    Hello :). I came across this forum a while back when I was looking for help on a certain problem, and google directed me to a thread here. Well, was not until yesterday I believe that I decided to sign up. I think the homework help section is great, loads of informative threads are available...
  10. L

    Multicurrency decision - statistics.

    question chapter 4 case 6 - from book "complete business statistics 6th edition-aczel and amir" A company sells machines to four customers in four different countries. It has to be sell two months from now. The following is a table of information of selling price, exchange rate. The selling...
  11. E

    Civil Engineering or Astrophysics it's decision time.

    edit: I've decided to stick with CE. Though I do love the study of the universe, I don't think I would be able to hand graduate school and all the research that is packed along with it. The books I've read are enough to satisfy my interest in space and time. During this economy, I think I'm...
  12. N

    Solve my life changing decision Family vs Ambition

    Here's the short version: Live in New Zealand, been offered an excellent PhD position in the UK. Family won't allow me to leave. I don't want to throw away this opportunity. Long version: My biggest ambition was to get a PhD (physics) from a good university. After 5 years of hard work I've...
  13. A

    Making a Difficult Decision: Risking it All for the Right Job

    During on campus interviews back in august, i got 2 jobs, both in power sector. And joining of both has been deferred now by 3 & 6 months. So i went for another interview yesterday in a glass manufacturing company(supposedly covering 70% market share in India). I got the job in plant...
  14. W

    PhD decision: Applied Math vs Aerospace Engg.

    I have Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering. I recently got PhD admits from University of Michigan (Aerospace Engineering) and University of Texas at Austin (Computational & Applied Mathematics). I need to make a choice between the both and I hope you guys can help me out.
  15. D

    Making the final decision: Bucknell v. F & M v. Rutgers v. Grinnell

    If anyone has advice as to which of these institutions I should enroll at please inform me! Some things to consider: I got into a Mathematical Scholars Program at Bucknell (note: I plan on majoring in both Physics and Mathematics. sidenote: A professor at Rutgers told me not to do this...
  16. mjsd

    News BBC defends Gaza appeal decision

    SOURCE: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7846150.stm Rising money for Gaza humanitarian effort can be seen as a political move? Is the appeal itself fundamentally flawed? Does the BBC simply not want to touch the dangerous third rail of middle eastern politics and become a propaganda machine for...
  17. Math Is Hard

    First Family's Puppy Decision: Should They Get a Cat?

    The first family is getting a puppy.. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27556259/ I think they should get a cat.
  18. N

    I'm having a bit of a decision crisis

    I seem to have a destructive cycle of wanting to do one thing one day (like physics) and something different the next (like math or computer science). I'm really anxious right now and I have a feeling of impending doom unless I can smarten the hell up. I'm not sure what's going on because I...
  19. S

    Anyone regret their engineering decision?

    I picked chemical engineering as my major and I think I am starting to regret it. I get pretty good grades, so I'm not that bad in my classes. I just don't find it very interesting. Its just hard for me to find pipe flow or saturation curves (the stuff we learn in class) interesting no...
  20. M

    Help with decision making in buying a graphing calculator

    Hi For higher mathematics i need the highest featured calculator and since graphing calculators are generally expensive (at least for me) so that's why I'm investing some time in researching Online b4 I buy so that i can shell money only once to buy a graphing calculator which is so powerful in...
  21. A

    Need help with univ. decision - Queen's vs Waterloo vs UofT for engineering

    Need urgent help with univ. decision - Queen's vs Waterloo vs UofT for engineering Hi all, I am in need of some urgent advice. I am in my last year of high school and I've been accepted into the following programs for university next year: UofT - Engineering Science Queen's -...
  22. T

    Cannot make job/gradschool decision

    Hi I'm a computer science student graduating this semester. As of now I don't mind taking programming related jobs or IT related jobs, but I want to eventually be a language analyst/translator/interpreter as well in Chinese. I've had a few years of Chinese and lived in Beijing for a few months...
  23. S

    Physics undergraduate - I have a decision to make

    I am currently a high school senior and have received all of my decisions for college. The acceptances are: UNC Chapel Hill Brandeis UMD College Park University of Maryland Baltimore County I am waitlisted at the following schools: Duke Carnegie Mellon Cornell Johns Hopkins...
  24. A

    Which College Should I Choose for a Physics Major?

    So I've heard back from all of my colleges, and I have it narrowed down to two colleges: Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Miami. I'm planning on majoring in Physics and then continuing on the grad school for it, but I'm having a little trouble choosing between the two. I know...
  25. D

    Seeking Job #2 Decision: How to Follow Up?

    Hi all, I have a job offer from a company that is due by this week (Job#1). I am still waiting on another company, Job#2, which I really want to work for. I interviewed with them approx 1.5 weeks ago and really need answer because I'll need to decide on Job#1. How can I email the guy from...
  26. I

    Fighting a professor's decision?

    my friend went to an engineering competition this past week during midterms and informed our intermediate mechanics professor late, 2 days prior, so now the professor is penalizing him. he's giving him the exam with 2 extra questions in the same period of time and the maximum he can get is 75%...
  27. wolram

    Helping Out or Doing the Work? A Difficult Decision

    So how far should i go in helping him out, i mean he is supposed to be a hands on engineer but it seems for many years he has been a paper pusher, he really does know squat, on the other hand he is easy going, but should i be the one one to put all the ideas in front of him, no one else will know.
  28. B

    Making a Life-Changing Decision: Advice Needed

    Hi, I'm new to PF and from what I can tell, there are a lot of good members here on the forums, so I would like a little advice from you guys since I really have exhausted myself thinking about this. So I joined the Army Reserves in Sept. of 2006, partly to improve myself physically and...
  29. G

    Calculators Calculator Decision: 50g vs 35s

    I am looking for a good calculator that will last me a long time. I am looking at the 50g or the 35s. I can get both but I would like to know if its worth it to buy both. I have no criteria for school so I am just needing something that lasts a while, and that's why I am looking at the 50g or...
  30. F

    Making My Physics Degree Decision

    Dear Physics friends, the time has come for me to decide what to do with my physics degree. I have asked a lot of people but in the end its me who has to take the decision. But I think I need your counseling. Let me tell you something about what I have done so far: I studied physics for 3...
  31. X

    Decision Time: Choosing My Co-op Job at GA Tech

    Hi all, I have an important decision to make in the very near future and wanted some outside input, if possible. I am currently a student at GA Tech majoring in EE and decided to join the Co-op program this fall, in which I will alternate semesters of full time work with an employer and...
  32. M

    Mouse Trap Car, Materials Decision

    I am to build a mouse trap car that goes the longest distance. From what I understand, I want to increase the distance by using a looong arm that I attach to the arm on the mousetrap. I want the string to only be hooked onto the axle so that it let's go when it gets to the end. I want a SMALL...
  33. A

    Schools Choosing the Right College for Aerospace Engineering: RPI, WPI, or PSU?

    Hi- I'm a senior in high school and am planning to go to school for aerospace engineering. I've been trying to decide what college would be best for me. Specifically, I'm looking at three main colleges... Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Worcestor Polytechnic Institute (WPI)...
  34. K

    How to Choose the Correct Gaussian Surface for Calculating Electric Field?

    Guassian Surface Decision? Homework Statement http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4056/electroquestionhd7.png Homework Equations http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6898/guasslawdd2.png The Attempt at a Solution My thoughts/attack for the question is first to find the charge...
  35. A

    Making an Informed Decision on Physics Engines for Games

    Hi I was wondering which of the following titles I should buy with regards to building a fairly simple physics engine for a game idea I have. I don't want to rush in I want to spend my money wisely. The titles are (roughly) as follows: Real Time Collision Detection Game Physics Game Physics...
  36. D

    Schools Help! College Decision Dilemma

    Hi, I can't decide which college to attend. Can someone please help me? I got accepted to UC Davis UC Irvine UCSB: College of Creative Studies UC Merced: Gauranteed Tranfer to UCLA or UCB U of A I can't decide. I'm leaning towards trying the UC Merced transfer option after one year but...
  37. A

    Can Junior Year Handle 7 AP Classes Alongside Extracurriculars and Test Prep?

    I need to make quick schedule decisions for next year because the deadline is approaching. Please help me consider my two choices: 1st choice: (7 Classes) AP Calculus APUSH AP Biology AP Sats AP Enviornmental science English 11 H Spanish 2 2nd choice: (6 Classes) AP Calculus APUSH...
  38. M

    Schools Undergraduate College Decision Help

    Hello everyone, I'm new here and am hoping you could give me a hand with my decision. I highly doubt this is deserving of its own thread, but I would really appreciate the help. I plan to major in physics, or at least a subject in a similar vein. I've narrowed my choice down to two schools...
  39. F

    Is it time to upgrade my PC's hard drive? Seeking advice and opinions.

    OK. I am looking for advice/opinions. My desktop PC has been upgraded 4 times since I bought it. It really isn't the original any more. The only thing I have left is my main hard drive. The main hard drive is where Windows is kept with some of the other important programs like my wireless...
  40. M

    Schools Difficult decision - transferring to another university

    Didn't realize this was such a huge post...so I provide you with...a table of contents! (and the option of skipping part 1 without missing any really important information)1. Background Info - the epiphany! 2. Accepted! (to hell?) - the truth unfolds 3. The other - university, that is 4. The...
  41. A

    Decision Time: CERN or Georgia Tech's Nanotech Program?

    My research advisor is telling me to go to CERN this summer, however I applied and was accepted to the Georgia Tech Nanotech program. I heard the Georgia Tech Nanotech program is one of the best, is that true. What do you guys think I should do? CERN or GT?
  42. R

    Making a Decision: Modelling or Study?

    The other day I met a up and coming fashion designer from florida. We got talking and found we had a lot in common, I showed him some of the outfits I had designed and made and he loved them! (he also showed me his designs) He then offered me a free trip to florida to be a runway model for the...
  43. Evo

    Parents defend decision to keep girl a child

    "Until New Year’s Day, not even her first name was known. Ashley was a faceless case study, cited in a paper by two doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital as they outlined a treatment so radical that it brought with it allegations of “eugenics”, of creating a 21st-century Frankenstein’s monster...
  44. E

    Engineering Academic Career decision: Physics or Engineering

    Hey This will be my first post on this forum, but I have been reading posts for quite a while. I find it really insightful. Now, I could use some of the people here's help. I need to decide whether I should do Electrical Engineering or Physics. I have been offered early admission to the...
  45. S

    Balancing Engineering and Science: A Personal Dilemma

    Currently I'm enrolled in my second year of a aerospace engineering and science undergrad course. I'm seriously considering dropping the engineering aspect of my course as i feel it is a waste of time. Problem is i feel if i do that i limit my career options later on, however if i don't i...
  46. E

    Schools Choosing Between UA and UMBC: Insights from College Experience

    The choice has come down to Univ. of Arizona or Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on these schools. I live in Maryland so UA would be a hassle, but I think it is really cool school with a million things to do. It has many observatories in the area and a...
  47. marcus

    Text of Judge Jones decision (good style and interesting to read)

    Pharyngula has some exerpts from Jones Dover school board decision that impressed me as well and truly written: http://pharyngula.org/index/weblog/comments/the_bottom_line_in_dover/ http://pharyngula.org/index/weblog/comments/unconstitutional_to_teach_id/ in case these links are slow (lot...
  48. J

    Deciding on Summer Engineering Program - High School Sophomore, Cheshire, CT

    Hey... I am a high school sophomore in Cheshire, Connecticut. I plan to study engineering once I get to university. In order to get a feel for what engineering entails, I decided to check out some engineering programs. However, I came across two college credit summer programs too - Harvard and...
  49. matthyaouw

    Coursework problem- do you think I made the right decision?

    I have a piece of project work in which I have to make predictions about the biogeography in an area of diverse grassland in 20 years time if one of a number of changes occur (changes proposed by the tutor, not me). The change I chose was the regional water table rising 0.5 metres. I've written...
  50. C

    Decision and discrete mathematics

    Decision and discrete mathematics... Why is Decision maths called "Decision maths"? :smile: Thanks.
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