Decisions we make are based on judgment. In Chapter 4 of Rational Choice in an Uncertain World, Hastie and Dawes quoted a letter to illustrate how we use our judgment and past experiences in judging a character intuitively.

DEAR ABBY: While standing in a checkout line in a high-grade grocery store, I saw a woman directly in front of me frantically rummaging around in her purse, looking embarrassed. It seems her groceries had already been checked, and she was a dollar short. I felt sorry for her, so I handed her a dollar. She was very grateful and insisted on writing my name and address on a loose piece of paper. She stuck it in her purse and said, I promise Ill mail you a dollar tomorrow. Well, that was three weeks ago, and I still havent heard from her! Abby, I think Im a good judge of character, and I just didnt peg her as the kind that would beat me out of a dollar. The small amount of money isnt important, but what it did to my faith in people is. Id like your opinion. SHY ONE BUCK

In a 150-200-word response, discuss the authors example of intuitive judgement that influences decision-making. Share a personal example of decisions you have made based on your judgment.

• What was the basis of your judgement and decision?

• What type of information did you gather to make sure the decision you made was appropriate?