Psychological Determinants of Bounded Rationality: Implications for Decision‐making Strategies

In this paper the implications of cognitive strain for decision‐making effectiveness are explored. Literature concerning the psychological processes of decisionmakers which underlie the operation of cognitive strain and which predispose them to the effects of cognitive strain, is reviewed. Next, the impact of cognitive strain on narrowly constraining or “bounding” rational decision‐making is examined, and the choice strategies of satisficing and incrementalizing are criticized as failing to broaden the bounds of rational decision‐making. Finally, elements of an eclectic choice strategy designed to assist decision‐makers handle the informational demands of complex decision problems are discussed.