Decisions, Decisions

A look at what research in psychology tells us about some of the factors that

influence our decisions

Some Key Themes:

Context MattersPerspective Matters

…in more ways than we might realize

• Aspects of the choice itself

• Aspects of the decision maker

• Aspects of the social and cultural context

(inter-related and inter-dependent)

OR

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Consent to Organ Donation

From Johnson, E.J., & Goldstein, D. (2003)

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Which parent should be awarded sole custody?

Parent A� Average income� Average health� Average working hours

� Reasonable rapport with child

� Relatively stable social life

Parent B� Above-average income� Minor health problems� Lots of work-related travel� Very close relationship

with child� Extremely active social

life

Which parent should be deniedsole custody?

Parent A� Average income� Average health� Average working hours

� Reasonable rapport with child

� Relatively stable social life

Parent B� Above-average income� Minor health problems� Lots of work-related travel� Very close relationship

with child� Extremely active social

life