The effect of dynamic and static choice sets on political decision making : an analysis using the decision board platform
By: MINTZ, Alex
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Contributor(s): GEVA, Nehemia | REDD, Steven B | CARNES, Amy.
Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, September 1997American Political Science Review 91, 3, p. 553-566Abstract: In this article, we address several specific questions: Do national security decision makers change decision strategies during foreign policy crises? If so, do they switch from an alternative-based search to a dimension-based search or vice versa? What are some of the factors that influence the change in decision strategy during a foreign policy crisis? What is the effect of strategy on choice? To answer these questions we use a new research technology - the Foreign Policy Decision Board "process tracer" - in a study of U.S. Air Force commanders. We first introduce the poliheuristic theory of decision, which provides a theoretical framework and guide for assessing the effect of changes in a choice set on strategy selection and choice. We then describe the Foreign Policy Decision Board. Finally, we report results based on a test of the board with top-ranking Air Force officers.
In this article, we address several specific questions: Do national security decision makers change decision strategies during foreign policy crises? If so, do they switch from an alternative-based search to a dimension-based search or vice versa? What are some of the factors that influence the change in decision strategy during a foreign policy crisis? What is the effect of strategy on choice? To answer these questions we use a new research technology - the Foreign Policy Decision Board "process tracer" - in a study of U.S. Air Force commanders. We first introduce the poliheuristic theory of decision, which provides a theoretical framework and guide for assessing the effect of changes in a choice set on strategy selection and choice. We then describe the Foreign Policy Decision Board. Finally, we report results based on a test of the board with top-ranking Air Force officers.
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