The Group Intertemporal Decision-Making Process

TL;DR

This paper explores how groups make decisions about future outcomes, proposing a method to better understand and improve these decisions.

Contribution

The paper introduces a two-process approach to study group intertemporal decision making using self-assessment and visual tools.

Findings

The approach can identify differences in group versus individual decision-making mechanisms.

It reveals how information is processed during group intertemporal decisions.

Findings can help design interventions for better group decision making.

Abstract

Intertemporal decision making is the process by which individuals make judgments or choices regarding outcomes that occur at different times. Although intertemporal decision making is widely investigated, most studies explore it in terms of individual decision making, while neglecting group decision making, which holds more practical significance and adaptive value. This study recommends adopting a “two-process” approach that uses self-assessment questionnaires, audiovisual recordings, and visual decision-making tools to quantify interpersonal interaction processes and information processing in group intertemporal decision-making settings. In this way, studies can reveal the psychological and theoretical mechanisms of the group intertemporal decision-making process. At the level of interpersonal interaction processes, such an approach can identify the differential mechanisms between group and individual intertemporal decision making. In terms of information processing, it can reveal the mechanisms of the decision-making process in group intertemporal decision making. The findings of such work can provide a basis for interventions and nudges that encourage more visionary group intertemporal decision making.