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Colliding sacred values: a psychological theory of least-worst option selection.

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Title: Colliding sacred values: a psychological theory of least-worst option selection.
Authors: Shortland, Neil (AUTHOR), Alison, Laurence (AUTHOR)
Source: Thinking & Reasoning. Feb2020, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p118-139. 22p. 3 Charts.
Subjects: Decision making, Grounded theory, Deliberation
Geographic Terms: Afghanistan, Iraq
Abstract: This paper focuses on how Soldiers make hard choices between competing options. To understand the psychological processes behind these types of decisions, we present qualitative data collected from Soldiers with combat experience (e.g., in Afghanistan and Iraq). Using a grounded theory approach, we develop a testable and falsifiable theory of least-worst decision-making. Specifically, we argue that the process of choosing a least-worst option centres on an individuals' ability to select between colliding values. Redundant deliberation describes the process that occurs when two equally "sacred" (non-negotiable) values collide during which, we argue, the decision maker calculates that each outcome is intolerable and cannot choose between them. As such, they fail to act in time (or at all) – resulting in decision inertia. However, in instances of a single (rather than colliding) sacred value, individuals are more readily able to commit to a least-worst choice of action. This theory of "colliding sacred values," if further validated, offers important theoretical implications for the role of value systems in understanding naturalistic decision-making – specifically with regards to making decisions in extreme conditions of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Thinking & Reasoning is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Data: Colliding sacred values: a psychological theory of least-worst option selection.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Shortland%2C+Neil%22">Shortland, Neil</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Alison%2C+Laurence%22">Alison, Laurence</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Thinking+%26+Reasoning%22">Thinking & Reasoning</searchLink>. Feb2020, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p118-139. 22p. 3 Charts.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Decision+making%22">Decision making</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Grounded+theory%22">Grounded theory</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Deliberation%22">Deliberation</searchLink>
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  Data: This paper focuses on how Soldiers make hard choices between competing options. To understand the psychological processes behind these types of decisions, we present qualitative data collected from Soldiers with combat experience (e.g., in Afghanistan and Iraq). Using a grounded theory approach, we develop a testable and falsifiable theory of least-worst decision-making. Specifically, we argue that the process of choosing a least-worst option centres on an individuals' ability to select between colliding values. Redundant deliberation describes the process that occurs when two equally "sacred" (non-negotiable) values collide during which, we argue, the decision maker calculates that each outcome is intolerable and cannot choose between them. As such, they fail to act in time (or at all) – resulting in decision inertia. However, in instances of a single (rather than colliding) sacred value, individuals are more readily able to commit to a least-worst choice of action. This theory of "colliding sacred values," if further validated, offers important theoretical implications for the role of value systems in understanding naturalistic decision-making – specifically with regards to making decisions in extreme conditions of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Thinking & Reasoning is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/13546783.2019.1589572
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      – Code: eng
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              Text: Feb2020
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