Psychological Constraints on Decision-making. A Discussion of Cognitive Approaches: Operational Code and Cognitive Map

Abstract

The Operational Code and the Cognitive Map approaches focus on the thought pro cesses of the individual. Differences emerge m the operationalization of concepts from cognitive theory such as 'centrality' and 'consistency', and in the conceptualization of the dependent variable. In the research procedures the Cognitive Map approach builds into its model assumptions which are more subject for investigation in the Operational Code approach. The article discusses the predictive and explanatory validity of the two approaches, one concern being whether coded beliefs or concepts from documents or interviews give valid representations of the decision-makers' beliefs. It is con cluded that both approaches may increase our understanding of how psychological constraints affect decision-makers.