Decision making

Decision making is a cognitive process where the outcome is a choice between alternatives. We often have different preferences as to our preferred approach, varying between emotion and feeling. Damasio says that the knowledge we store regarding these preferences include: 

1. Facts of the problem presented -- Pros & cons of each 
2. The option chosen to solve it -- which is more beneficial to the individual? 
3. Factual outcome -- if there are any consequences 
4. The emotional outcome and how it effects feelings

If the situation is associated with a negative emotion we will choose the option which can eliminate the feeling associated with it more quickly.
For example, if an individual is in dept they are left with a negative, overwhelming feeling. Getting a job won't solve the problem right away but it will decrease the negative feeling associated with dept.

If the situation is associated with a positive emotion we will choose the option that will prolong this feeling  
For example, if an individual recently changed their study habits and received a high mark on a test, they are more likely to continue these study habits as they bring a positive feeling