Choices, Decisions, and Problem-Solving

Theory and research on choice and decision-making behavior is reviewed with the intent of identifying the core elements of these behavioral processes. Two distinct theoretical perspectives—“subjective/cognitive” and “behaviorist”—are critically examined and evaluated within the framework of their contribution to sociological theory. We then explore lacunae and ambiguities in the research and theory in the field. Definitional distinctions are drawn between the concepts of choice, decision-making, and problem-solving. Finally, we make a preliminary attempt to synthesize the work in this field, to identify core elements and suggest that the moment of choice can be considered as a microcosm of the social and behavioral forces affecting a given action at both the individual and collective level.