Scientific Decision-making

Author(s): Nancy P. Moreno, PhD, Ronald L. McNeel, DrPH, Barbara Z. Tharp, MS, Gregory L. Vogt, EdD, and James P. Denk, MA

Associated Video Associated Resource Collection

Personal choices are part of everyday life. Whether choosing what to wear in the morning, what to have for lunch, or which college to attend, our days are filled with decisions. Do we approach decision-making in a systematic and organized way? Perhaps not often enough, particularly when making decisions that affect our health, or that of our family members.

Using examples related to cardiovascular health, the Scientific Decision-making Teacher's Guide helps high school and middle school students learn how to make evidence-based decisions. The guide provides the following activities and readings.

Decisions and Risk - Does having accurate information change how we make decisions?
Smarter Choices - What does brain science tell us about decision-making? Can we learn to make better decisions?
Introduction to Personal Stories - How does personal history affect health and risk of disease?
Heart: Basic Measurements - What do vital signs tell us about our health?
Calculating Coronary Artery Disease Risk - How can we quantify the risk of developing heart disease?
Team Diagnosis of Three Cases - How do medical teams apply evidence to reach a diagnosis?
Comparative Effectiveness Decision-making Tools - How can consumers make better health decisions?