What counts as a decision? Predictors of perceived decision making

We examined lay perceptions of what counts as a decision. Eighty-six subjec ts read 10 scenarios that described clear decisions (e.g., choosing a gradu ate school), clear "nondecisions" (e.g., an accidental wrong turn), or ambi guous actions (e.g., eating a donut when on a diet or allowing someone else to make the decision). The subjects rated each scenario as to whether the actor had made a decision and also rated six other attributes. The scenario s were rated as clearly illustrating a decision if the actor engaged in a l ot of thought and did not act reflexively. Consideration of consequences an d having alternatives were moderately related to decision ratings, whereas having self-control problems and the influence of physiological drives show ed little relationship with decision ratings. Thus, lay concepts of decisio n making differ from decision theory in that thoughtful, intentional behavi or is more important in defining a decision than are decision theoretic com ponents, such as alternatives and consequences.