Can Computers Help Overcome Limitations in Human Decision Making?

Motivation: The article evaluates computer assisted decision support in the context of contemporary research on decisional thinking, outlines the potential that computers have for overcoming known limitations in this thinking and the problems that occur when some aspects of thinking are overlooked. Research approach: The article is derived from a selective review of the literature on thinking and decision making. Findings/design: The review identifies aspects of thinking that limit the effectiveness of computer-based decision support and considers ways of overcoming these limitations. Research limitations/implications: The review is selective and does not consider all thinking processes nor all possible implications for decision support. Originality/value: The work uses contemporary theory on system 1 and system 2 thinking to recommend ways of improving computer decision support. Take away message: The full potential of computer-based decision support can only be realised if developed and evaluated with a broad understanding of how decision makers think.