Decision-making models are structured methods for working through a choice or a problem. Instead of weighing everything up in your head, they give you a set of steps to follow, often using nothing more than a pen and paper.
Different models suit different situations. Some are designed for personal decisions, like choosing between subjects, while others help groups reach agreement fairly. Knowing a few of each makes it easier to compare options, find the cause of a problem, and decide where to focus your time and energy.
Models for decisions you make on your own
Pros and cons analysis
A pros and cons analysis is one of the simplest decision-making models. It involves listing the positives (pros) and negatives (cons) of an option, then comparing them. It works by:
- Writing the option at the top of the page
- Listing pros in one column & cons in another
- Scoring each point from 1 to 5 based on how much it matters
- Adding up each column & comparing the totals
Scoring each point helps show when one important con outweighs several minor pros. This model is most useful for yes-or-no decisions. For example, you might use it to decide whether to take on extra shifts at a part-time job during exam season.
Decision matrix
A decision matrix is used to compare several options against the same set of criteria, which are the factors that matter most to you. It’s usually set out as a table, with options listed down the side and criteria across the top. It works by:
- Listing your options
- Choosing 3 to 5 criteria
- Scoring each option against each criterion from 1 to 5
- Adding up the scores for each option
If one criterion is more important than the others, its scores can be doubled before adding them up. This is known as weighting. For example, a student choosing between elective subjects might compare them on interest, current results, and whether the subject is a prerequisite (a subject required for entry into a particular course).
SWOT analysis
SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A SWOT analysis is used to assess a plan or goal by sorting information into four boxes:
- Strengths: what’s working in your favour
- Weaknesses: areas that could hold you back
- Opportunities: outside factors you could take advantage of
- Threats: outside factors that could get in the way
Strengths and weaknesses relate to you, while opportunities and threats come from your surroundings. Separating them makes it clearer what’s within your control and what you may need to plan around. For example, you could use a SWOT analysis before applying for a part-time job or planning for work experience.
Fishbone diagram
A fishbone diagram is used to find the causes of a problem. It’s named after its shape, with the problem written at the “head” and possible causes branching off a central “spine”. It works by:
- Writing the problem on the right-hand side of the page
- Drawing a line back from it to form the spine
- Adding 3 to 6 branches, each for a category of cause
- Listing specific causes along each branch
This model is useful when something hasn’t gone to plan and the reason isn’t obvious. For example, if an assessment result was lower than expected, the branches might cover study habits, time management, understanding of the content, and study environment. Laying out every possible cause makes it easier to identify the ones you can change.
Pareto analysis (80/20 rule)
Pareto analysis is based on the idea that a small number of causes often produce most of the results. It’s commonly called the 80/20 rule, because around 80% of results tend to come from about 20% of the effort. These figures are approximate, and the split varies from one situation to the next.
For students, Pareto analysis is mainly used to prioritise. It involves listing tasks, rating the impact of each one, and focusing first on the few that make the biggest difference. For example, when revising for an exam, starting with the topics that carry the most marks or the ones you find hardest could improve your results more than spreading your time evenly.
Models for group decisions
Group decisions come with their own challenges, like making sure everyone has a say. These models give each person a structured way to contribute, which can be useful for group assignments, sports teams, or student committees.
Six Thinking Hats
Six Thinking Hats is a method for looking at a decision from different perspectives, one at a time. Each perspective is represented by a coloured hat, and everyone in the group focuses on the same one before moving to the next:
- White: facts & information
- Red: feelings & gut reactions
- Black: risks & possible problems
- Yellow: benefits & positives
- Green: new ideas & alternatives
- Blue: organising the discussion & next steps
Groups usually begin and end with the blue hat, first to agree on the question and then to decide what happens next. Because everyone is thinking in the same direction at the same time, discussions tend to stay focused. The method can also be used on your own by working through each hat in turn.
Multi-voting
Multi-voting is used to narrow a long list of ideas down to a smaller number. It’s often used after brainstorming. It works by:
- Giving each person several votes, often about a third of the number of ideas
- Having everyone spread their votes across the ideas they prefer
- Removing the ideas with the fewest votes
- Repeating the vote until a clear choice remains
Because each person votes more than once, an idea that most people like can rise to the top, even if it wasn’t anyone’s first choice. For example, a class choosing between 12 fundraiser ideas might give each person four votes in the first round.
Choosing the right model
Each model suits a different kind of decision. As a general guide:
- Yes-or-no decisions: pros & cons analysis
- Comparing several options: decision matrix
- Planning towards a goal: SWOT analysis
- Working out why something went wrong: fishbone diagram
- Deciding where to focus first: Pareto analysis
- Discussing a decision as a group: Six Thinking Hats
- Narrowing down a list of group ideas: multi-voting
Models can also be combined. A group might use multi-voting to shortlist ideas, then a decision matrix to compare the final few. Whichever model you use, it’s there to organise your thinking, and the final decision is still yours to make.
Building the habit
Like most skills, decision making improves with practice. Starting with smaller, everyday choices, such as planning revision for an upcoming test or dividing up tasks in a group project, is a practical way to become familiar with each model.
Over time, certain models may start to suit the way you think, making them easier to use for bigger decisions like weighing up post-school options.
If you’d like to keep developing skills for study and work, our careers and work resources are a good next step.
