What cognitive approach suggests that people make decisions based on maximizing their expected utility?

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of Expected Utility Theory, which posits that individuals make decisions by calculating the expected utility of different options and choosing the one that maximizes that utility. This approach assumes that people evaluate the potential outcomes of their choices by weighing the utility (satisfaction or value) they expect to receive against the probabilities of those outcomes occurring.

This theory is foundational in understanding decision-making processes, particularly in economics and psychology, as it provides a formal structure to analyze how rational agents are expected to behave when faced with uncertainty. Expected Utility Theory assumes that individuals are logical thinkers who aim to make choices that will lead them to the highest possible level of satisfaction, based on their preferences and the probabilities associated with different choices.

While behavioral economics and prospect theory introduce important nuances about how people actually make decisions—often highlighting deviations from rationality and the impact of biases—Expected Utility Theory specifically encapsulates the classical perspective of decision-making based on the maximization of expected utility. Rational Choice Theory also deals with decision-making through a lens of rationality, but it is broader and can encompass various approaches, including Expected Utility Theory.

Thus, the framework of Expected Utility Theory distinctly outlines the process of decision-making through the lens of maximizing expected outcomes,