Our ability to make decisions can be influenced by psychological concepts that m

Question

Our ability to make decisions can be influenced by psychological concepts that may or may not help. It can be particularly difficult to remain objective when dealing with a controversial issue where people often have strong beliefs and feelings about one side only. For example, consider the case of gun control laws. Apply the science of decision making to analyze how the gun control debate is presented by opposing sides. In your answer, include how the availability heuristic, framing, and confirmation bias would each influence the debate.

Explanation / Answer

Decision making is the cognitive process in which the best option is chosen from the alternatives presented.

The gun control debate in the U.S. is a tricky situation in decision making. The debate basically is taking place after the Second Amendment, which stated that, "a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

The main points put forward by the opposing sides are:

Psychologically reading, in this case both the groups are right from their points of view. They are going through a situation called confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a cognitive process in which people tend to favour information which agrees to their own previously held beliefs. In the case of gun control debate also, the two groups of people are undergoing confirmation bias while making their decision of supporting either of the views.

The pre-conceived notions are formed and/or maintained by available heuristics which is another process which influences our decision making. These refer to the mental short-cuts or easily available information which help us make quick decisions. In this case, the available heuristics could be press releases, statistics, media coverage, social networking, peer discussions, social interactions, etc. These heuristics are either available through just a click or is already stored in the brain as a result of discussions and interactions. Even though these heuristics are quickly available and help us make faster decisions, it is not always a reliable source.

The whole debate is under a framing effect where both the sides are looking at the issue from different angles. Where one group believes that gun control would reduce the number of deaths, the other group views that it is not gun control but gun ownership that leads to crimes. Where one group suggests that guns are hardly used for self defense, the other group is of the opinion that gun control would anyway not stop criminals from having guns.Therefore in such ways, the two groups are under the framing effect while making their decision about the gun control debate.

Therefore, as said our ability to make decisions can be influenced by psychological concepts that may or may not help in making objective decisions.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse O
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.