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

Decision-making is the act of choosing between alternative courses of action or things.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define decision-making;
2. list the five steps in decision-making;
3. apply the steps to a simple decision, such as buying a pair of shoes;
4. mention and explain the factors that influence decision-making;
5. state the difference between needs and wants.

What is decision-making?

Decision-making is the act of choosing from alternative courses of action or things.

• Two or more options: a decision can only take place when there are at least two things to choose from.
• One option only: when there is only one course of action, there is no decision-making.
• Everyday use: we decide what to wear, what to eat, how to spend pocket money and how to use our time.

What are the key terms in decision-making?

Six terms are used often when we talk about decisions.

• Alternative: one of the different ways of doing a thing.
• Goal: something a person wants to achieve, such as passing an examination.
• Value: something a person believes is important, such as honesty, neatness or family.
• Need: something a person must have to live and be healthy, such as food and shelter.
• Want: something a person would like to have but can live without.
• Resources: the things a person can use to reach a goal, such as money, time and energy.

What are the steps in decision-making?

There are five steps in decision-making: identify the decision, list the alternatives, choose the best alternative, act on it and evaluate it.

Step 1: Identify the decision to be made

• Meaning: define clearly what you need to decide.
• Example: the decision is to buy a new pair of shoes.
• Questions to ask: what will you use the shoes for, what type, what colour, and where will you buy them?
• Also consider: your other needs and the money available.

Step 2: List the alternatives

• Meaning: alternatives are different ways of doing a thing.
• Places to buy: a second-hand shop, the market, a shopping mall or a boutique.
• Other choices: different colours and different types of shoes.

Step 3: Choose the best alternative

• Meaning: compare the alternatives and pick the one that suits you best.
• Think about: your values, goals, wants, money available and needs.

Step 4: Act on your decision

• Meaning: carry out your decision to the best of your ability.
• Example: go and buy the shoes you chose.

Step 5: Evaluate your decision

• Meaning: judge the quality of the decision and how well it works for you.
• Example: do the shoes go well with many of the dresses in your wardrobe?
• If the result is poor: if the outcome is not what you expected or hoped for, you may have to make a new decision.

How do the steps apply to buying a pair of shoes?

The table shows the five steps applied to one decision.

What factors influence decision-making?

Five factors influence decision-making: family, friends, resources, values, and needs and wants.

• Family: parents and relatives advise us, and their income and beliefs shape what we choose.
• Friends: peers may push us towards a choice, and this can be good or bad.
• Resources: the money, time, energy and skills we have limit what we can choose.
• Values: what we believe is important guides which alternative we pick.
• Needs and wants: we should meet our needs before our wants.

What is the difference between a need and a want?

A need is something we must have to live and stay healthy. A want is something we would like but can live without.

Why is decision-making important?

• Better choices: following the steps helps us avoid hasty choices.
• Good use of resources: we spend money, time and energy wisely.
• Reaching goals: a good decision moves us closer to what we want to achieve.
• Learning: evaluating a decision shows us how to choose better next time.

Evaluation

1. Define decision-making.
2. Mention the factors that affect decision-making.
3. List the five steps in decision-making in order.
4. Why can there be no decision-making when there is only one option?
5. State two differences between a need and a want.

Assignment

Make a simple personal decision, and list the steps you followed to reach your goal.