Here, we examine metacognitive programs concerned with transfer from understanding how we think to how this affects our subsequent behaviour.
Decision-Making
Decision-making is the cognitive process leading to the selection of a belief or a course of action among several possible alternative options. It could be either rational or irrational, the result of extensive reflection or very little. Improved metacognitive skills should lead to better decision-making. Indecision can become decision by default – if you decide not to decide, you effectively decide to give up your power of choice.
Factors and personal characteristics that have an impact on decision-making include: programmed versus non-programmed decisions, information inputs, prejudice, cognitive constraints, attitudes about risk and uncertainty, personal habits and social and cultural influences. The DECIDE model is the acronym of six particular activities needed in the decision-making process:
- D = Define the problem
- E = Establish the criteria
- C = Consider all the alternatives
- I = Identify the best alternative
- D = Develop and implement a plan of action, and...
- E = Evaluate and monitor the effects of the action.
Self-Regulation