COGNITIVE LOAD AND DECISION-MAKING: UNDERSTANDING THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ATTENTION

Abstract

Human decision-making is fundamentally constrained by the limited capacity of cognitive resources. This paper explores the relationship between cognitive load and decision-making processes, highlighting how mental workload affects the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of choices. Drawing from cognitive psychology and behavioral economics, the study examines the mechanisms through which excessive information or task complexity can overwhelm attentional systems, leading to decision fatigue, heuristic shortcuts, and suboptimal outcomes. Additionally, the role of environmental and individual factors in modulating cognitive load is discussed. The findings underscore the importance of designing decision environments that support cognitive efficiency, particularly in high-stakes or multitasking contexts.