Are We in Control of our Own Decisions?


In this general assignment, analyze three recent decisions in light of the Daniel Ariely discussion regarding the way in which decisions are presented to us. Use one example of a good decision, a second example of a decision that was neither good nor bad and a third decision that was clearly a bad decision. Examine them from at least two different perspectives using Dan Ariel's methodology or other sources. In either of these examples, were there influences present that caused you to think/act irrationally? Explain. Knowing what you know now, would you make the same decision, again?  Please address this in your assignment.



Ariely (2009) posits that many decisions we make are greatly influenced by how our choices are presented to us. Further, he points out is that our preferences are not always obvious unless all choices are presented. 

3 decisions that come to mind are when we purchased our car in 2010, when we purchased a washing machine, and finally deciding upon a contractor to remodel our master bathroom. 

Our car purchase was a good choice that benefited from lots of options and a good analysis of what value we were able to get relative to our price point.  Relating to Ariely’s point, the more options we were exposed to, the easier our decision was.

Our washing machine purchase was a little more straight forward, as I knew that I wanted certain features that would eliminate many brands and styles.  What ended up being the deciding factor was also availability, as I was in a rush to have the washing machine delivered just prior to leaving on a 10 day work trip. 

The worst decision was easily the contractor we settled on for our bathroom remodel.  The first problem can be seen in the word I used – “settled”.  Although this person came recommended, we had nothing to compare this choice to.  As this decision relates to Ariely, our initial choice was void of preferences, meaning we had nothing else to compare the work and the behavior of the contractor to except as recommendation from my wife’s hairdresser. The person had done some good work prior to our contracting, however warning signs manifest themselves early on, but by then, it was too late. 

I would very much like to go back and find a different contractor, especially given the amount of time our bathroom lay dormant (it’s finished now, but yikes). In retrospect, I think our decision not to fully appreciate how this contractor was better at finishing, or detail work rather actual construction made for a poor decision.



Ariely, D. (2009, January 13). We're All Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely. Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=984&v=JhjUJTw2i1M

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