Lesson 1: Introduction & Fundamentals
Objective:
Understand the basics of decision-making and its psychological components.
Content:
– Definition: Decision-making is the cognitive process of selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives. It is influenced by various psychological factors, including perception, motivation, and cognitive biases.
– Key Concepts:
– Cognitive Biases: Systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment.
– Paradox of Choice: The phenomenon where more options can lead to decreased satisfaction and difficulty in decision-making.
– Choice Overload: Being overwhelmed by too many options, leading to poor decision-making.
Resources:
– Reading: [The Psychology of Decision-Making: Why We Choose What We …](medium.com/@mondal05priti/the-psychology-of-decision-making-why-we-choose-what-we-choose-a2e8d7bd68a4)
– Video: [The psychology behind decision making. WHY we choose WHAT we choose?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCuymNjEoMQ)
Key Takeaways:
– Decision-making is a complex process influenced by various psychological factors.
– Recognize common biases that interfere with rational decision-making.
Activity:
Reflect on a recent decision you made. Identify any cognitive biases that might have influenced your choice.
Lesson 2: Practical Application & Techniques
Objective:
Apply decision-making strategies in real-world scenarios.
Content:
– Techniques:
– Pros and Cons List: Weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
– S.W.O.T Analysis: Assessing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
– Mind Mapping: Visualizing options and their potential outcomes.
– Real-World Use Cases: Effective decision-making in career choices, purchases, and personal relationships.
Resources:
– Reading: [Stop Worrying About Making the Right Decision](hbr.org/2013/11/stop-worrying-about-making-the-right-decision)
– Video: [The Psychology of Career Decisions | Sharon Belden Castonguay | TEDxWesleyanU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e6KSaCxcHs)
Key Takeaways:
– Utilize structured techniques to enhance decision-making efficacy.
– Real-world applications demonstrate the practical value of these techniques.
Activity:
Choose a decision-making technique discussed and apply it to a current decision you are facing. Reflect on how it influenced your process.
—
Lesson 3: Advanced Insights & Mastery
Objective:
Gain expert-level insights into decision-making and optimize decision strategies.
Content:
– Advanced Insights:
– The role of emotions and intuition in decision-making.
– Neuroscience: Understanding brain processes that affect decision-making.
– Minimizing the effects of choice overload through simplification strategies.
– Best Practices: Techniques for overcoming biases and improving decision accuracy.
Resources:
– Reading: [Paradox of Choice – Leiden Psychology Blog](www.leidenpsychologyblog.nl/articles/paradox-of-choice)
– Video: [Making Sense of How Our Brains Form Decisions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zxOBbAbQkA)
Key Takeaways:
– Embrace both rational analysis and emotional intelligence for deeper decision-making.
– Leverage advanced techniques to master decision strategies and avoid common pitfalls.
Activity:
Experiment with simplifying a decision process to reduce choice overload. Reflect on the changes in your decision-making satisfaction.
—
Assessment
Multiple-choice Questions:
1. What is the ‘Paradox of Choice’?
– a) More choices always lead to better decisions
– b) More choices can lead to less satisfaction and difficulty in decision-making
– c) Having limited choices simplifies decision-making
– d) Choice overload is always beneficial
– Answer: b
2. Which technique involves assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats?
– a) Pros and Cons List
– b) S.W.O.T Analysis
– c) Mind Mapping
– d) Cognitive Bias Assessment
– Answer: b
3. What is a common result of ‘choice overload’?
– a) Improved decision quality
– b) Enhanced satisfaction
– c) Decision fatigue and poorer choices
– d) Eliminating biases in decision-making
– Answer: c
4. Which factor is NOT typically involved in psychological decision-making?
– a) Rational analysis
– b) Emotional state
– c) Cognitive biases
– d) Random guessing
– Answer: d
