Applied Decision Methods

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Applied Decision Methods

Applied decision methods (ADMs) are a set of tools and techniques that can be used to improve decision-making in a variety of contexts. ADMs are based on the principles of human factors engineering and cognitive psychology, and they take into account the cognitive biases and limitations that can affect our ability to make good decisions.

ADMs are used in a wide range of industries and professions, including healthcare, business, engineering, and military. Some common examples of ADMs include:

• Decision analysis: Decision analysis is a process of systematically analyzing and evaluating different decision options. It involves identifying the relevant criteria for making a decision, gathering information about each option, and weighting the criteria to determine the best option.

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• Risk assessment: Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and managing risks. It involves identifying the potential hazards that could impact a project or organization, assessing the probability and impact of each hazard, and developing strategies to mitigate the risks.
• Human factors engineering: Human factors engineering is the discipline of designing systems and products that are easy to use and safe. It involves understanding the cognitive abilities and limitations of humans, and designing systems and products that take these factors into account.
• Cognitive engineering: Cognitive engineering is a subfield of human factors engineering that focuses on designing systems and products that support human cognitive processes. It involves understanding how people think, learn, and remember, and designing systems and products that facilitate these processes.

ADMs can be used to improve decision-making in a number of ways. For example, they can help us to:

• Identify and avoid cognitive biases: Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can lead us to make bad decisions. ADMs can help us to identify and avoid these biases by making us aware of them and by providing us with tools to mitigate their effects.
• Gather and evaluate information more effectively: ADMs can help us to gather and evaluate information more effectively by providing us with structured processes and tools for doing so. This can help us to make more informed decisions and to reduce the risk of making errors.
• Make decisions more efficiently: ADMs can help us to make decisions more efficiently by providing us with tools and techniques for analyzing and evaluating different options. This can help us to save time and to avoid making rushed decisions.

Here are four references on applied decision methods:

• Decision Analysis: An Introduction by Howard Raiffa (2013)
• Risk Assessment: A Practical Guide by David Aven (2015)
• Human Factors Engineering: A Practical Approach by Christopher Wickens, John Hollands, and Steven Banbury (2014)
• Cognitive Engineering: Designing Systems for Human Use by Paul Fitts and Gary Pew (2004)

Examples of Applied Decision Methods in the Real World Here are a few examples of how applied decision methods are used in the real world:

• A healthcare provider uses decision analysis to choose the best course of treatment for a patient.
• A business leader uses risk assessment to identify and mitigate the risks associated with a new product launch.
• An engineer uses human factors engineering to design a new aircraft cockpit that is easy to use and safe.
• A military commander uses cognitive engineering to design a training program that helps soldiers to make better decisions in combat.

Applied decision methods are a powerful tool that can be used to improve decision-making in a variety of contexts. By understanding the principles of ADMs and using the appropriate tools and techniques, we can make better decisions that lead to better outcomes.