The Decision-Making Process

In our everyday lives we must face a number of decisions, whether it is something simple like what clothes to wear or a major ethical decision that can have a large impact in one’s life. We may not realize this but with every decision we make there are a number of factors that help determine our decisions. According to most psychologists the decision-making process involves recognizing, evaluating, deciding on, and executing an action to resolve the dilemma (Lincoln, S., & Holmes, E. K., 2010). While this decision process is occurring there elements, both internal and external, that are influencing our final decision. As we know our internal and external experiences, such as our morals and the people around us, mold the way we see things and think about certain aspects of life. As a result these aspects unconsciously help us determine what decisions we make on an everyday basis. .
When making decisions our main goal is to do what is right not only for us but for those who are affected by the decision. One’s morals are their standards and beliefs on what they think is right or wrong thing to do. Our morals, therefore, are a great influence when making everyday decisions. In psychology there is said to be a stages of moral development that was created by Kohlberg. In Kohlberg’s stage theory there are six levels of how people think when determining what is right from wrong. The stage of moral reasoning a person is in, which ranges from punishment orientation to an individual’s principles and conscience, can play a great role in how they take action. “Ethical decision making involves four distinct psychological steps: moral sensitivity/awareness, moral judgment, moral motivation/intention, and moral action/courage” (Lincoln, S., & Holmes, E. K., 2010). Within these steps one must distinguish what is right from wrong, consider the consequences of your choices and make the right decision. Depending on what you believe is morally correct will determine the decision you make. Other beliefs, such as bias, can also cause you to make certain decisions (Howard, 2012). In the case of Julius Caesar when he said “jacta alia est” he was crossing the river Rubicon. When crossing this river he became an invader however he believed that he had to do it so he decided that he would.
As we all know the experiences that you live through and the people who surround will influence the actions you make in life.