A Conceptual Model of Cognitive Decision Making

Decision making is the most important aspect of both cognitive sciences and management. In most decision making models, cognitive components of decision making such as worldview, values and beliefs of the individual--which have a determinant role--are ignored. The goal of this study was to identify the cognitive components of decision making and develop a conceptual cognitive model. To this end, content analysis method was carried out, and the relevant literature published between 1950-2018 in English and Persian articles, research reports, and books were reviewed until theoretical saturation of cognitive categories was reached. The cognitive components of decision making as reflected in 72 articles, 3 book chapters, 4 research reports, and 7 books were collected and analyzed in three cycles of iterative bottom-up processes of conceptualization, categorization and theorization which resulted in an interrelated set of concepts, categories and sub-categories. The cognitive components of decision making as reflected in 72 articles, 6 book chapters, 4 research reports, and 7 books were collected and analyzed in three cycles of iterative bottom-up processes of conceptualization, categorization and theorization which resulted to an interrelated set of concepts, categories and sub-categories. The finding of the study was a set of eight cognitive categories effective in decision making. These categories which constitute the building blocks of a cognitive decision making model are described in the article in detail.