Decision-Making

When you are faced with a difficult decision, it is good to follow the steps of the decision-making process. The steps are:

 

1. Define the problem.
2. Gather information.
3. List options.
4. Compare the consequences.
5. Make a decision.

 

Think about the scenario at the beginning of the lesson. Let’s go through the steps of the decision-making process together.

 

Step 1: Define the problem
Your friends want you to go to a high school party without letting your parents know.

 

Step 2: Gather information

You know that there are no adults at the movie theater to check in with, and you doubt that there will be adults at the high school party, but your friend still really wants you to go.

 

Step 3: List options

You could go with your friend, or you could stay at the movie theater.

 

Step 4: Compare the consequences

If you stay at the theater, your friend might get mad at you. If you go to the party, you could get in trouble with your parents.

 

Step 5: Make a decision

You need to decide which option is the best decision. To do that, ask yourself questions such as “Which option will keep me safe?” and “Which consequence is more severe?”