Decision-making and individual differences

Although a robust literature exists on Heuristics and biases (H&B) in decision making, this research is largely confined to group-level differences observed in psychology laboratories. However, the past 20 years has highlighted an increased appreciation for studying decision making as an important individual difference variable that is separate from general mental ability. Because these abilities are largely overlooked by general intelligence measures, and the potential adverse consequences of suboptimal decision making are great, it is vital to examine the extent to which sub-optimal decision-making tendencies predict health-risking behaviors.

The current proposal offers the ability to bridge advances in decision-making research, which have demonstrated reliable individual differences in the ability to make normatively appropriate decisions, with research investigating the initiation of health-risking behaviors. By integrating these research perspectives, we can better conceptualize the antecedents of the development of advantageous decision making. Although a robust literature exists on biases in decision making, this research is largely confined to group-level differences observed in psychology laboratories. However, the past 20 years has highlighted an increased appreciation for studying decision making as an important individual difference variable that is separate from general mental ability. Because these abilities are largely overlooked by general intelligence measures, and the potential adverse consequences of suboptimal decision making are great, it is vital to examine the extent to which sub-optimal decision-making tendencies predict health-risking behaviors.