Satisfice

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Definition

Satisfice is a portmanteau formed from satisfy and suffice,[1] referring to the tendency of time-starved, information-overloaded users to select the first good-enough solution that crosses their path. Users often use satsificing as a triage strategy, based on the time and effort a more comprehensive search might entail.

"A decision-making strategy that attempts to meet criteria for adequacy, rather than to identify an optimal solution".[2]

One of the problems of this information-chocked world is that answer-seeking becomes too quick to be well-refined. Artificial Intelligence pioneer Herbert Simon explains this problem very well with his term "Satisfice".

Discussion

Satisficing and Networks

In this way, your network researches for you en masse, and you can simply wait for the information to return. In the future, your network may rely on you for your specific expertise in order to avoid their own Satisfice on the subject. One can avoid making mediocre choices due to last-minute information needs by predicting future information that will be needed, and/or created networks of experts based on those future needs.

References

  1. Ken Manktelow (2000): Reasoning and Thinking, Hove: Psychology Press, p. 221.
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satisficing#cite_note-0