Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

After making a decision, what is the term for considering that it might have been incorrect?

1. Post-decisional regret

2. Post-decisional conflict

3. Decision certainty

4. Post-decisional analysis

The correct answer is: Post-decisional conflict

The concept of reconsidering a decision to reflect on whether it might have been incorrect is best captured by the term "post-decisional regret." This refers to the feelings of remorse or second-guessing experienced after a choice has been made, where one wishes they had chosen differently. It highlights the emotional response and cognitive dissonance that can occur when an individual reflects on the outcomes of their decision. Post-decisional conflict, on the other hand, generally refers to the internal struggle and uncertainty that can arise during the decision-making process itself, rather than after the decision has been made. This term implies a state of indecision or hesitation that might occur prior to a choice but does not adequately describe the retrospective evaluation that can happen once a decision has been finalized. Decision certainty denotes a confidence level regarding the choice made, focusing on the assurance one feels about their decision rather than possible regret afterward. Post-decisional analysis might suggest a thoughtful reconsideration of the decision taken and the factors influencing it, but it lacks the emotional context tied to regret specifically. Therefore, post-decisional regret properly captures the process of reflecting on a decision with a sense of uncertainty about its correctness after the fact.