Is it Time to Use the Right Side of Our Brain? A Comparison of Analytical and Naturalistic Decision Making Processes
Abstract
As commanders, how do we make decisions? In scientific theory, there are two methods or models for the decision-making processes - the Analytical Decision-Making (ADM) model and the Naturalistic, or Recognitional, Decision-Making (NDM) model. The time one has to make a decision within a certain situation will influence the decision making process. With the factor of time most prevalent in this situation, a greater emphasis should be placed on intuitive decision-making processes. In developing intuition, commanders can gain a supportive experience base by immersing themselves in numerous decision-making situations. Over time, simulations expand a commander's pattern recognition ability thus improving his intuitive decision making skills. In a final analysis, the operational commander makes decisions dependent on the situation he is facing. I contend that commanders of today and future commanders need to understand and incorporate the intuitive Naturalistic Decision-Making process. The intuitive decision-making inherent in the Naturalistic Decision-Making process provides a sound basis for determining a proper course of action for a given situation. This paper is not designed to espouse that analytical decision-making processes be forgotten, but illustrates that every decision is determined by a situation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378553
Entities
People
- Brett F. Bonifay
Organizations
- Naval War College