In: Psychology
Describe a decision that you may be faced with and explain the decision making model and consumer decisions model as it relates to your decision
Decision making is an important cognitive process in which a person needs to select the best alternative from the options available.
A decision making model that we use in our day to day life as well as while making consumer decisions is the Attribution theory. Attribution theory basically states how we attach meanings to behaviour. It is believed that people gather information and combine it with causes in order to make certain judgements.
The attribution theory is based on the Covariation model proposed by Kelly. This model rests upon both internal attribution (self perception) and external attribution (social perception) or a combination of both. People make decisions on the basis of the formed attributions through consensus, distinctiveness and consistency.
For example, I as a customer need to buy a particular piece of clothing for myself. In order to decide which piece of clothing would be the best for me I would attribute my decision to both my own self as well as the society. I would seek consensus (ask parents and loved ones if they like the particular item too), distinctiveness (whether my choice is unique and would suit me) and consistency (check reviews for product detail, material, etc.). After going through this whole process as a consumer, my decision would be made. I have followed Kelly's Covariation Model of Attribution theory.