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Decision Calculus Reduction

Meaning

Decision calculus reduction is a cognitive strategy aimed at minimizing the complexity and computational load involved in routine daily choices, thereby preserving finite executive function resources. This involves simplifying options, establishing clear choice heuristics, and delegating non-essential decisions to automated systems or pre-set protocols. The clinical rationale is that the constant expenditure of cognitive energy on low-stakes decisions contributes significantly to decision fatigue, a state that compromises the quality of subsequent, high-stakes executive decisions. By reducing the “calculus,” we safeguard the integrity of the prefrontal cortex for critical tasks.