rational choice theory

noun

A theory that argues individual decisions are based on that individual's understanding of the costs and benefits of a given action, shaped throughout the assumptions of self-interest and rational actors.

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Meanings

nounrational choice theory (uncountable)
  1. uncountableeconomicsA theory that argues individual decisions are based on that individual's understanding of the costs and benefits of a given action, shaped throughout the assumptions of self-interest and rational actors.
Cite this entry
APA

rational choice theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/rational%20choice%20theory

MLA

“rational choice theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/rational%20choice%20theory. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “rational choice theory,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/rational%20choice%20theory.

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