Robustness of Decision‐Making Competence: Evidence from Two Measures and an 11‐Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Decision-making competence is the ability to follow normative principles when making decisions. In a longitudinal analysis, we examine the robustness of decision-making competence over time, as measured by two batteries of paper-and-pencil tasks. Participants completed the youth version (Y-DMC) at age 19 and/or the adult version (A-DMC) eleven years later at age 30, as part of a larger longitudinal study. Both measures are comprised of tasks adapted from ones used in experimental studies of decision-making skills. Results supported the robustness of these measures and the usefulness of the construct. Response patterns for Y-DMC were similar to those observed with a smaller initial sample drawn from the same population. Response patterns for A-DMC were similar to those observed with an earlier community sample. Y-DMC and A-DMC were significantly correlated, for participants who completed both measures, 11 years apart, even after controlling for measures of cognitive ability. Nomological validity was observed in correlations of scores on both tests with measures of cognitive ability, cognitive style, and environmental factors with predicted relationships to decision-making competence, including household SES, neighborhood disadvantage, and paternal substance abuse. Higher Y-DMC and A-DMC scores were also associated with lower rates of potentially risky and antisocial behaviors, including adolescent delinquency, cannabis use, and early sexual behavior. Thus, the Y-DMC and A-DMC measures appear to capture a relatively stable, measurable construct that increases with supportive environmental factors and is associated with constructive behaviors.

Accounting for Individual Differences in Decision-Making Competence: Personality and Gender Differences

“…Emerging research suggests that stable individual differences in the tendency to respond rationally are associated with positive health and financial outcomes (e.g., Parker et al, 2018 ). These results complement similar evidence of predictive validity observed in the personality literature.…”

“…The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature. Specifically, we tested the degree to which personality traits were associated with individual differences in decision-making competence (DMC), a construct that aims to quantify individual differences in rational responding across six decision domains (e.g., Parker and Fischhoff, 2005 ; Bruine de Bruin et al, 2007 ; Parker et al, 2018 ). Additionally, we considered these associations in light of mixed evidence suggesting potential gender differences with respect to DMC performance.…”

“…Prior studies have demonstrated convergent validity between DMC and neurocognitive mechanisms believed to promote advantageous decision-making, such as executive function, working memory, and inhibitory control, and other decision skills ( Parker and Fischhoff, 2005 ; Bruine de Bruin et al, 2007 ; Del Missier et al, 2012 ; Parker and Weller, 2015 ; Weller et al, 2015b ; Parker et al, 2018 ). Additionally, higher DMC scores appear to correlate with the likelihood to desist from engaging in problematic behaviors.…”

Decision-Making Competence, Social Orientation, Time Style, and Perceived Stress

“…Our definition of decision-making competence follows the prevailing definition in the literature. Thus, decision-making competence is defined as an individual’s tendency to follow normative rational principles in their decision making (e.g., Parker et al, 2017 ). Decision-making competence is a construct that can be assumed to be related to performance and exhaustion in work life settings (see Ceschi et al, 2017 ).…”

The Network Structure of Decision-Making Competence in Chinese Adults

“…Carnevale et al (2011) reported that the A-DMC score can predict the position levels of individuals in real society, and decision-making competence was significantly correlated with the need for cognition. In a follow-up study by Parker et al (2018), the participants completed the Y-DMC and A-DMC at an interval of 11 years, and the results of the two scales were significantly correlated. Those with higher Y-DMC and A-DMC scale scores were less involved in crimes, marijuana smoking, or insecure behaviors.…”