Yin-yang framework of decision-making: Development and assessment of Yin-yang decision-making styles questionnaire

Abstract

Decision-making styles represent the typical manner individuals use to make decisions. This study aimed to develop and test the structure of a decision-making style questionnaire based on the Yin-yang framework of decision making. Two studies were carried out. In Study 1, we generated an initial item pool of 122 items using a theory-driven approach. Then three focus groups were used to finalize 54 items for the field testing. Third, using a hybrid of iterative exploratory factor analysis and ant colony optimization approach (n = 895), we identified 23 items that were deemed best to represent five constructs of the yin-yang framework of decision making: adaptability, relative positioning, self-awareness, proactivity, and prudence. In Study 2, we performed the validation study (n = 569) by testing three models of the yin-yang framework of decision making styles. We also explored age and sex differences. The results from two studies provide initial support for the factor structure and reliability of the Yin-yang decision-making questionnaires. The results were discussed in the context of the yin-yang framework and age and sex differences regarding these constructs.