6-1 Discussion: Decision Lab: Test Your Thinking!

This week, you’ll step into The Decision Lab, where your critical thinking skills take center stage. You will analyze one of five brief scenarios where a decision must be made and apply specific strategies to analyze possible outcomes. You’ll also examine how understanding other people’s viewpoints can influence better decision making. These skills aren’t just useful in the classroom; they’re critical for success in life, relationships, and careers, where the ability to anticipate outcomes and navigate multiple viewpoints can lead to more thoughtful and inclusive choices.

Read the Discussion Scenarios and select one. Then, address the following in your initial post:

• Briefly summarize the scenario and the decision that must be made in your own words.
• Identify at least two perspectives that could influence how you make your decision in this scenario. Why might each perspective matter?
• Describe how you might approach making your decision differently. What parts of the decision-making process might you change and why?

Next, respond to at least two peers. You can respond to peers that have responded to either the same or different scenarios than you did. In your responses, consider the following:

• Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the decision-making approach proposed. Why or why not?
• Can you suggest another perspective that they might not have considered yet? How could this new perspective influence the potential outcome?
• Identify something that your peer said that gave you new insight or made you rethink your own assumptions.

Scenarios

Scenario One:

You are part of team tasked with completing an important project at work. One group member hasn’t shown up to meetings or completed any assigned tasks. The rest of the team is frustrated, and the deadline is approaching. You have to decide whether to report the group member’s lack of participation to your manager or find a way to finish the project without mentioning it.

Scenario Two:

You’ve been asked to schedule a recurring team meeting at your job. The team is fully remote and includes coworkers in different time zones, some of whom have caregiving responsibilities or second jobs. Your manager wants you to “pick something that works for everyone.” One person prefers early mornings, another asks for evenings, and others haven’t responded yet. You must decide how to move forward—whether to propose a time, send out a poll, rotate meeting times, or talk to your manager.

Scenario Three:

A close friend tags you in a Facebook birthday fundraiser asking people to donate to a cause they care deeply about. You’ve donated in the past, but things are tight right now, and you’re already stretched supporting other causes. The friend also posted publicly thanking people “in advance” for contributing—including you. You feel pressured but aren’t sure how to respond.

Scenario Four:

You have a virtual presentation in class today. You’re deciding between dressing up a bit to look more polished or staying in your comfy hoodie because the camera’s only showing your upper half. What do you choose, and why?

Scenario Five:

You RSVP’d “yes” to a casual social event, but now you’re feeling tired and would rather stay in. You need to decide whether to go, cancel politely, or just ghost the event and hope no one notices.