Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 31, Number 2
Spring 2000
The Joint Effects of Effort and Quality on Decision Strategy
Choice with Computerized Decision Aids
P. C. Chu and Eric E. Spires
Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, 2100 Neil
Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, e-mail: chu.4@osu.edu, spires.1@osu.edu
ABSTRACT. Research has recently focused on the effort-reduction
or minimization role of computerized decision aids, and how users
may employ aids to manage their effort, which in turn affects
their choice of decision strategies. In this paper, it is argued
that consideration of effort reduction or minimization by itself
is not sufficient for inducing changes in decision strategy.
Instead, decision aid effects on effort must be considered jointly
with the decision quality associated with the various decision
strategies. This is true even if the decision aid has no effect
on decision quality. We adapt and extend a theoretical framework
that can be used to evaluate the joint effects of effort and
quality on decision strategy choice. In addition, we reinterpret
past research results in light of the framework and present new
experimental evidence on the descriptive validity of the framework.
Subject Areas: Computer-based Decision Aids, Decision
Processes, Decision Support Systems, Human Information Processing,
Judgment and Decision Making, and Laboratory Experiment. |