1 What is the rational decision making model?

The rational decision making model is a framework that consists of six steps: define the problem, identify the criteria, generate alternatives, evaluate alternatives, select the best alternative, and implement the decision. The model assumes that the decision maker has access to complete and accurate information, can compare and rank the alternatives objectively, and can choose the optimal solution that maximizes the desired outcomes.

2 How to define the problem?

The first step in the rational decision making model is to define the problem clearly and specifically. In the context of choosing a college major, this means finding a field of study that matches your interests, skills, goals, and values. To define the problem accurately, you should ask yourself or your clients questions such as what their passions and hobbies are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, what their short-term and long-term goals are, what their values and beliefs are, and what their expectations and constraints are.

3 How to identify the criteria?

The second step in the rational decision making model is to identify the criteria that are important for evaluating the alternatives. These criteria are the standards or measures you use to compare and rank the different options. For instance, when considering a college major, you might want to evaluate its relevance to your interests, skills, goals, and values; its difficulty in terms of coursework, exams, and assignments; its adaptability to different career paths and opportunities; its marketability in terms of employment and income; and its level of enjoyment and personal growth.

4 How to generate alternatives?

The third step in the rational decision making model is to generate feasible and relevant alternatives for the problem. To do this, you can use online tools, such as websites, apps, or quizzes that suggest majors based on your personality, interests, skills, or values. Additionally, you can consult with academic advisors for guidance and advice on different majors and their requirements. You can also seek help from career counselors to explore your career options and goals. Furthermore, talking to peers and mentors can provide valuable experiences and insights on different majors and their outcomes.

5 How to evaluate alternatives?

The fourth step in the rational decision making model is to evaluate alternatives based on the criteria that you have identified. To do this, you can use various methods such as listing pros and cons, assigning a numerical value to each alternative for each criterion, creating a table that shows the alternatives and criteria and marking the best option for each criterion, or creating a diagram that shows the alternatives and possible outcomes and consequences of each alternative.

6 How to select the best alternative?

The fifth step in the rational decision making model is to select the best alternative based on the evaluation that you have done. When selecting the best alternative, you can employ various rules, such as maximizing to pick the one with the highest score or most positive outcomes, satisficing to pick the one that meets your minimum standards, eliminating to remove clearly inferior or unacceptable alternatives, and compromising to choose a solution that balances the trade-offs and costs.

7 How to implement the decision?

The final step in the rational decision making model is to implement the decision that you have made. To do this, you can enroll in the major and register for the necessary courses. Additionally, you can seek feedback and support from your academic advisors, career counselors, peers, and mentors. It's important to monitor your progress and satisfaction with your major and adjust your plan if needed. You can also explore opportunities related to your major, such as internships, extracurricular activities, or research projects.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?