Decision Making – JSS3 Home Economics Lesson Note (First Term)

Meaning of decision-making

Decision-making is the act of choosing from alternative courses of action or things. Decision-making can only take place when there are two things to choose from. When you are faced with only one course of action, there will be no decision-making.

Steps in decision-making

The steps in decision-making are:

1. Identify the decision to be made: this involves defining a decision. For example, your problem could be buying a new pair of shoes, you have to decide on what you will use the shoe for, the type of shoes, the colour, where to buy the shoes etc. then you have to consider your other needs and the money available.
2. List the alternatives: alternatives are different ways of doing a thing. Using the example in step 1, the alternatives could be to buy from second-hand shops, from the market, shopping malls, or from a boutique. You also have to list alternative colours of shoes, types of shoes, etc.
3. Choose the best alternatives. To do this, you have to think about your values, goals, wants, money available, and needs.
4. Act on your decision: Carry out your decision to the best of your ability. This means going to buy the shoes.
5. Evaluate your decision: this involves judging the quality of the decision made or how well it works for you. For instance, does the pair of shoes you selected go well with many of the dresses in your wardrobe? Sometimes, if the outcome of a decision is not what you expected or hoped for, you may have to make a new decision.

Factors that influence decision-making

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Resources
4. Values
5. Needs and wants.

 Evaluation:

1. Define decision making
2. Mention factors that affect decision-making

 Assignment:

Make a simple personal decision, and list the methods or steps you followed to achieve your goals.