AN ANALYSIS OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOR

The purpose of this study was to analyze decision-making process in help-seeking behavior with the information monitoring method. Four simulated situations were prepared in which help became necessary. Eight categories of further situational information were explained, and 67 subjects were asked to indicate which categories of information they would like to see before actually seeking others' help in each of the four situations. The number and categories of information requested, together with their order, were recorded. Also, questions were asked concerning before a help-seeking decision was made in every situation, and (2) it was made in a fairly fixed pattern in term of the help's possible cost and probable attibutitons of why it became necessary.