Contingent decision behavior

Abstract

Reviews the literature showing the effects of task and context variables on decision behavior and evaluates alternative theories for handling task and context effects. These frameworks include (a) cost/benefit principles, (b) perceptual processes, and (c) adaptive production systems. Both the cost/benefit and perceptual frameworks are shown to have strong empirical support but unresolved conceptual problems. The production system framework has less direct support but has the desirable property of containing elements of both of the other frameworks. Research is discussed in terms of variables encountered by the decision maker: task complexity, response mode, information display, agenda effects, similarity of alternatives, and the quality of the option set. (91 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1982 American Psychological Association.