A map of possible choices.

Imagine choosing your next topic of study: consciousness, language or geometry. Write down the three alternatives and choose criteria such as curiosity, access to sources and available time. The criteria describe what matters to you right now.

Give each criterion a weight and compare the alternatives. In the laboratory, you can do this with Decision Matrix through the chat. Treat values as explicit assumptions: if a score comes from an impression, note that down.

Now change the weight of available time. Does the choice change? Repeat the comparison with more weight on curiosity. This variation helps you see how much the result depends on the priorities you set.

A ranking does not encompass the whole decision. Some elements are difficult to quantify, information may be missing and preferences can change. A model is useful when it makes its assumptions open to discussion and lets you explain why a choice seems suitable.

Let’s compare three study topics using curiosity, available time and access to sources.