decision theory

noun

A branch of applied probability theory concerned with the theory of decision making based on models describing probabilities, actions, constraints, and preferences.

Similar
theory of choice

Meanings

noundecision theory (countable and uncountable, plural decision theories)

plural decision theories

  1. countableuncountableA branch of applied probability theory concerned with the theory of decision making based on models describing probabilities, actions, constraints, and preferences.

    Info-gap decision theory is based on quantitative models and provides numerical decision-support assessments.

    2006, Yakov Ben-Haim, Info-Gap Decision Theory: Decisions Under Severe Uncertainty, 2nd edition, Elsevier, →ISBN, page 3
    1 more example

    Decision theory gives a concise framework for making decisions based on models. Its components are a state space forming the range of a set of variables, alternatives or potential actions, and constraints on the decision space a set of consequences of actions, and a preference functional encoding and optimality criterion, involving the costs and value of extra information.

    2014, Giacomo Della Riccia et al., editors, Planning Based on Decision Theory, Springer, →ISBN

    Synonyms: theory of choice

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA branch of applied probability theory concerned with the theory of decision making based on models describing probabilities, actions, constraints, and preferences.

Similar
theory of choice
Cite this entry
APA

decision theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/decision%20theory

MLA

“decision theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/decision%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “decision theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/decision%20theory.

Source: decision theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.