Theorem T4: Selection Efficacy Theorem - Selection Logic

Theorem statement

Theorem T4: Selection Efficacy Theorem: Efficacy is maximized by balancing fit and effort under constraints—perfection can reduce efficacy.

Premises

• A1: /en/wiki/axiom-1-finitude
• A2: /en/wiki/axiom-2-conditional-subjectivity
• A3: /en/wiki/axiom-3-improvability

Core insight (zh-aligned)

“Rational–does not mean “always optimize.” Under constraints, the target is efficacy: maximize fit and decision quality per unit cognitive cost.[^1]

Corollaries

• T4.1 Perfectionism can reduce efficacy: /en/wiki/corollary-t4-1
• T4.2 Good-enough can beat best: /en/wiki/corollary-t4-2

Practical application

1. Define “good enough—thresholds for low/medium stakes (satisficing).
2. Invest deep effort only when stakes justify it (T2).
3. Validate and iterate rather than chasing perfect pre-purchase certainty.

References

1. Payne, J. W., Bettman, J. R., & Johnson, E. J. (1993). The Adaptive Decision Maker. Cambridge University Press.[source]
2. Simon, H. A. (1955). A behavioral model of rational choice. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 69(1), 99–18.[source]

Further Reading

• Selection efficacy (concept)
• Satisficing
• Cognitive budget