Behavioral information search by indecisives

This research examined the behavioral processes by which individual differences in indecision may be reflected in decision-making situations. In Experiment 1, using an information board paradigm, indecisives compared to decisives searched less information and shifted less often among dimensions under a high cognitive load (distracter) condition. In Experiment 2, compared to decisives, indecisives demonstrated more intra- and fewer inter-dimensional shifts while searching the information board under a high cognitive load condition, thereby focusing their search. Indecisives also reported lower self-confidence and greater anxiety in the high cognitive load condition. These studies demonstrate that indecision-prone individuals tend to use a technique adapted as an avoidance strategy.