Opinion: Exploring the Impact of Opinion on Decision Making
The ability to make decisions has been studied extensively in psychology, and the role of opinion in decision making is of particular interest. Opinion is defined as a personal judgment or belief, and it has been found to have a significant influence on people’s decision making processes (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). The purpose of this review is to explore the impact of opinion on decision making, focusing on both its positive and negative effects.
Research indicates that opinion can be a powerful tool in influencing decision making (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). People are more likely to be swayed by opinions that are shared by others, as well as by opinions that are voiced more confidently (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). Opinion can also be used to create a sense of social identity or solidarity among people who share similar beliefs (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). Furthermore, opinion can be used to influence people’s attitudes and beliefs, as well as their behavior (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010).
However, opinion can also have a negative impact on decision making. People tend to overestimate the accuracy of their own opinions, leading to an overconfidence bias (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). This can lead to people making decisions that are not necessarily in their best interests (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010). Furthermore, people can become overly reliant on the opinions of others, leading to a “herd mentality” where people follow the opinion of the majority without considering other alternatives (van der Pligt & Eiser, 2010).
Overall, opinion is a powerful tool in influencing decision making, and it can have both positive and negative effects. However, it is important to remember that opinion should not be the only factor in making decisions. People should consider other sources of information, such as research or data, to make the most informed decisions possible.
References
van der Pligt, J., & Eiser, J. R. (2010). Opinion and decision making. In J. P. Forgas, K. Fiedler, & C. P. Smith (Eds.), Social cognition: Thinking about others (pp. 59-79). London, England: Sage Publications.