This module will introduce the psychology of decision making. The term “decision making” will be defined and then the intrapersonal and interpersonal influences on decisions will be introduced.

This module discusses cognitive processes that influence decision making, including schemas, cognitive heuristics and biases, attributions, affect, and attitudes.

In this module on motivational influences we discuss behavior that can be considered goal-directed. There are times when we are making a decision and in doing so we want to achieve a certain outcome. We seek outcomes that satisfy a psychological need, such as seeing ourselves as competent, affiliating with others, or maintaining psychological consistency.

In this module, on influences of others on decision making, we will discuss social influences that involve the direct interaction of two or more people. We will cover theories of persuasion, in which individuals try to convince us to hold a certain attitude, knowing that our attitudes guide our decisions. We will also cover compliance and obedience, two other types of social influence.

This module discusses how group dynamics influence decision making, including conformity, groupthink, group polarization, and deindividuation.

This module discusses how stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination influence decision making.

Every day we make decisions that influence our lives. This course examined the psychology of decision making, including intrapersonal and interpersonal influences, cognitive and motivational processes, and the influence of other individuals, group dynamics, and intergroup relations.

This module contains a cumulative quiz.

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Explore APA resources on various psychological issues and scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA.