Read the following resources for this activity:

 

Textbook: Chapter 1
Video: Decision Making
Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post

 

Introduction
Your textbook starts out by asking two very important questions: On what basis do you make decisions? How do we know what we know?

 

Throughout our life we make a lot of decisions and most of the time we rely on what are called heuristics, which are simple rules of thumb about what to do or how the world is (to learn more about heuristics watch Decision Making video for the week). Most of the time this works out fine but there is another more reliable method of making decisions. This is basing decisions on research.

 

Initial Post Instructions
For your initial post discuss some ways you have made decisions in the past. Did you use a heuristic, if so which one? Did you ask another person, Google it, or some other method? Then talk about the outcome, did it work out or was the information you used unreliable. Finally, how was this method different from research and critical thinking described in chapter one?

 

Secondary Post Instructions
When replying to your fellow students compare and contrast the ways you make decisions. Could you use some of their methods to improve yourdecision making techniques? What suggestions could you provide to the other student for integrating more critical thinking into their methods?

 

Writing Requirements

 

In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.
Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words
Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post
Using APA format, incorporate appropriate in-text citation(s) referring to the academic concept with corresponding references page for the initial post.

 

Grading and Assessment
Meeting the minimum number of postings does not guarantee an A; you must present an in-depth discussion of high quality, integrate sources to support your assertions, and refer to peers’ comments in your secondary posts to build on concepts.

 

Course Learning Outcome(s): 1, 5, 7
1.   Understand the language of research.
5.   Develop verbal and written communication skills
7.   Critically evaluate research, being able to differentiate shoddy research from good research