Step

Example

1.  Identify decision to be made

"I've got to select a major"

2.  Gather relevant information

"I'm going to work through the Career Assessment Web Page and then I'll talk to a counselor at the Counseling Center"

3.  Identify alternatives

"Teaching, Political Science and Criminal Justice might all be good majors for me"

4.  Weigh evidence

"I'm going to compare alternatives using the  Decision Matrix"

5.  Choose among alternatives

"Criminal Justice seems to be the right choice for me"

6.  Take action

"I've made an appointment with my academic advisor to plan my course schedule as a Criminal Justice major"

7.  Review decision and consequences

"Now that I've taken a class in Criminal Justice, I know I've made a good choice"

or

"Now that I've taken a class in Criminal Justice, I don't think it's right for me.  I'll need to reevaluate my options"