Decision-Making in Life and Work: Foundations, Strategies, and Current Neuroscience

This groundbreaking volume brings together leading researchers to explore the latest findings on the psychological and physiological factors that shape decision-making. It offers a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from neuroscience, economics, public policy, and other fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of how we make choices in both personal and professional contexts.

Designed for researchers, professionals, instructors, and students interested in decision science, this book delves into several key areas. It explores the cognitive biases and heuristics that influence our decisions. The book also examines the role of emotions and intuition in decision-making. Additionally, it investigates the neuroscience behind information processing and judgment. It also provides strategies we can use to make better decisions in real-world settings. The chapters, written by experts in the field, cover a wide range of topics ranging from the foundations of decision theory to the latest research on the neural bases of decision-making, providing readers with a rich understanding of the subject.

Through its multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on practical applications, this volume offers readers valuable insights and tools for enhancing their own decision-making skills. Whether you are a researcher studying decision-making processes, a professional looking to make better judgments in important situations, or an instructor teaching decision science, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible resource that will deepen your understanding of this critical area of human behavior.

Todd McElroy, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. His primary research interests are in decision-making, the psychology of physical activity, and examining factors that influence complex choices. Dr. McElroy takes an integrative approach, investigating decision-making through the study of personality differences, situational factors, biological influences, and their interactions.

His work has uncovered fascinating insights on the roles of sleep, circadian rhythm, glucose levels, regret, cognitive reflection, and hemispheric processing on our decisions and judgments. Dr. McElroy's recent research also includes the relationship between physical activity and happiness, romantic regret, and a new model of the psychological determinants of physical activity called the Mind-Motion Matrix.

With over 50 peer-reviewed publications to date, Dr. McElroy continues to advance our understanding of the complex interplay of factors shaping human judgment and decision-making. In 2024, he published the book "The Science of Laziness: Achieving More by Doing Less" as part of The Self-Enhancement Science Series. His integrative approach and novel findings offer valuable insights for both research and real-world applications.