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Decision pattern analysis as a general framework for studying individual differences in decision making
Jackson, Simon A. Kleitman, Sabina Stankov, Lazar Howie, Pauline
Jackson, Simon A.
Kleitman, Sabina
Stankov, Lazar
Howie, Pauline
Abstract
This paper investigated decision pattern analysis (DPA) as a general and standard framework for studying individuals' consistent decision making behavior within and between contexts. DPA classifies decisions on the basis of judgement accuracy and the goal orientation of the decided-upon action. Over repeated decisions, patterns of individuals' decision behavior are described by five variables: competence, optimality, recklessness, hesitancy and decisiveness. A fictitious medical decision making test and three standard cognitive ability tests (extended with confidence ratings and a ‘submit answer for marking’ decision) were used to investigate the psychometric properties of these DPA variables. Internal consistency of the decision patterns ranged from good to excellent. Convergent validity was assessed via cognitive abilities, metacognitive confidence and a control criterion imposed on confidence that determines the decision to be made: the point of sufficient certainty. Personality variables were included to assess discriminant validity. As hypothesised, cognitive abilities showed positive correlations with competence and optimality. High confidence, low points of sufficient certainty and a greater discrepancy between them were associated with higher decisiveness and recklessness, and lower hesitancy. Personality measures showed mixed and generally weak correlations with the DPA variables. These convergent and discriminant results also held after controlling for all variables in regression. The results provide preliminary psychometric support for DPA as a general framework of behavioral decision making. DPA has the potential to be exploited in many contexts for uses that, to date, have been unachievable in a psychometrically valid manner
Keywords
decision making; cognitive abilities; metacognition; confidence; individual differences; decision pattern analysis
Date
2016
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Behavioral Decision Making
Book
Volume
29
Issue
4
Page Range
392-408
Article Number
ACU Department
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Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled