Cognitive vs. Normative

Attribute	Cognitive	Normative
Definition	Related to mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving	Related to norms, standards, or ideals
Focus	Focuses on how people think and process information	Focuses on what should be done or what is considered right
Descriptive vs Prescriptive	Descriptive - describes how people actually think and behave	Prescriptive - prescribes how people should think and behave
Examples	Cognitive psychology, cognitive biases	Ethical norms, social norms

Introduction

When it comes to decision-making and problem-solving, two key approaches that are often discussed are cognitive and normative. These two perspectives offer different ways of understanding how individuals make choices and judgments. In this article, we will explore the attributes of cognitive and normative approaches, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Definition and Overview

Cognitive decision-making refers to the process of making choices based on how individuals perceive, think, and reason about a situation. It involves mental processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Normative decision-making, on the other hand, focuses on identifying the optimal or rational choice that should be made in a given situation. It is based on normative theories of decision-making that prescribe how individuals should make choices.

Attributes of Cognitive Decision-Making

One key attribute of cognitive decision-making is that it is descriptive rather than prescriptive. This means that it seeks to describe how individuals actually make decisions in real-world situations, rather than how they should make decisions according to normative theories. Cognitive decision-making also takes into account the limitations of human cognition, such as biases and heuristics, which can influence decision-making processes.

Another attribute of cognitive decision-making is its focus on the individual as the decision-maker. It considers how an individual's cognitive processes, beliefs, and experiences shape their decision-making behavior. Cognitive decision-making also emphasizes the importance of context in decision-making, recognizing that external factors can influence how choices are made.

Attributes of Normative Decision-Making

Normative decision-making, on the other hand, is prescriptive in nature. It aims to identify the optimal or rational choice that should be made in a given situation, based on normative theories of decision-making. Normative decision-making is often based on principles of logic, probability, and utility theory, which provide guidelines for making rational choices.

Another attribute of normative decision-making is its focus on the outcome of the decision. It prioritizes the end result of the decision-making process, seeking to maximize utility or achieve a specific goal. Normative decision-making also assumes that individuals have access to all relevant information and can process this information in a rational and logical manner.

Comparison of Cognitive and Normative Decision-Making

While cognitive and normative decision-making approaches differ in their focus and goals, they also share some similarities. Both perspectives recognize the importance of understanding how individuals make decisions and the factors that influence their choices. They also acknowledge the role of cognitive processes in decision-making, albeit in different ways.

• Cognitive decision-making is descriptive, focusing on how individuals actually make decisions.
• Normative decision-making is prescriptive, aiming to identify the optimal choice based on normative theories.
• Cognitive decision-making considers the limitations of human cognition, such as biases and heuristics.
• Normative decision-making is based on principles of logic, probability, and utility theory.
• Both approaches recognize the importance of context and external factors in decision-making.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cognitive and normative decision-making offer distinct perspectives on how individuals make choices and judgments. While cognitive decision-making focuses on describing how decisions are made in real-world situations, normative decision-making aims to prescribe the optimal choice based on normative theories. By understanding the attributes of both approaches, individuals can gain insights into their decision-making processes and improve their ability to make informed choices.