Date of Graduation

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

JoNell Strough

Committee Co-Chair

Melissa Blank

Committee Member

Barry Edelstein

Abstract

The current study examined Scott and Bruce's (1995) five decision-making styles (i.e. rational, intuitive, spontaneous, dependent, and avoidant) to assess potential combinations of styles using cluster analysis. The sample comprised 1,075 members from RAND's American Life Panel (56.2% female, 18-93 years, Mage = 53.49). Data was collected from a larger survey that members completed on a monthly basis. Findings yielded a three-cluster model which included: affective/experiential, dependent, and independent/self-controlled decision-making style profiles. These profiles were significantly differentiated by age and gender. Older age and being female was associated with being more likely to be in the independent/self-controlled decision-making style profile than the affective/experiential decision-making style profile. The findings provide a new perspective for examining how people approach decisions and provide support for certain aspects of decision-making process theories.

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