2019 Research in the Capitol

Presentation Type

Open Access Poster Presentation

Keywords

Decision making in old age; Decision making;

Abstract

With the world’s older adult population expanding rapidly, it is important to understand how decision-making abilities change across the lifespan. The objective of this research is to study the effects of age, numeracy, and mental fatigue when faced with a consumer or gamble choice situation, in which many options are available (hyperchoice). Due to the development of technology, the scenario of hyperchoice is common. While people have more options to choose from, they may also feel overwhelmed. A total of 114 older adults and 112 younger adults were surveyed. Results of this study indicate that too many options may deteriorate decision satisfaction and increase decision difficulty, particularly in older adults and those with higher mental fatigue and lower numeracy. These findings support the importance of math education and strategies to maintain cognitive health into old age to avoid negative consequences of poor decision-making.

Start Date

1-4-2019 11:00 AM

End Date

1-4-2019 2:30 PM

Event Host

University Honors Programs, Iowa Regent Universities

Faculty Advisor

Jiuqing Cheng

Department

Department of Psychology

Department

School of Applied Human Sciences

File Format

application/pdf

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Apr 1st, 11:00 AM Apr 1st, 2:30 PM

Decision Experience in Hyperchoice: The Effect of Age, Numeracy, and Mental Fatigue

With the world’s older adult population expanding rapidly, it is important to understand how decision-making abilities change across the lifespan. The objective of this research is to study the effects of age, numeracy, and mental fatigue when faced with a consumer or gamble choice situation, in which many options are available (hyperchoice). Due to the development of technology, the scenario of hyperchoice is common. While people have more options to choose from, they may also feel overwhelmed. A total of 114 older adults and 112 younger adults were surveyed. Results of this study indicate that too many options may deteriorate decision satisfaction and increase decision difficulty, particularly in older adults and those with higher mental fatigue and lower numeracy. These findings support the importance of math education and strategies to maintain cognitive health into old age to avoid negative consequences of poor decision-making.