Decisions beyond boundaries: When more information is processed faster than less

Bounded rationality models usually converge in claiming that decision time and the amount of computational steps needed to come to a decision are positively correlated. The empirical evidence for this claim is, however, equivocal. We conducted a study that tests this claim by adding and omitting information. We demonstrate that even an increase in information amount can yield a decrease in decision time if the added information increases coherence in the information set. Rather than being influenced by amount of information, decision time systematically increased with decreasing coherence. The results are discussed with reference to a parallel constraint satisfaction approach to decision making, which assumes that information integration is operated in an automatic, holistic manner.

► We model decision making with Parallel Constraint Satisfaction Network models. ► We contrast it with a classic bounded rationality perspective. ► The effect of dropping low-valid information from decision tasks is investigated. ► Dropping information increases decision time if it decreases coherence. ► In such situations more information is processed faster than less.