Definition
Selection Efficacy: A measure of how well a choice matches needs per unit of effort and attention.
Theoretical basis
Derived from T4 Selection Efficacy Theorem: /en/wiki/theorem-4-selection-efficacy
A practical formula (zh-aligned)
Selection Efficacy = Fit × Decision Quality / Cognitive Cost
Components
| Component | Meaning | Key drivers |
|---|---|---|
| fit | match to stable needs | clarity of needs, evidence quality |
| decision quality | completeness and bias-resistance of process | methods, checklists, immunity |
| cognitive cost | time/effort/emotional load | complexity, info availability |
Core insight
Perfection can reduce efficacy: if cognitive cost explodes, overall efficacy falls even if the product is marginally “better.” (See T4.1.)[^1]
Practical applications
- High-stakes decisions: invest more cognitive budget for fit.
- Low-stakes decisions: use heuristics to reduce cost.
- Define “good enough—thresholds to stop search.
References
- Payne, J. W., Bettman, J. R., & Johnson, E. J. (1993). The Adaptive Decision Maker. Cambridge University Press.[source]
- Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1993). Decisions with Multiple Objectives: Preferences and Value Tradeoffs. Cambridge University Press.[source]