satisfiers

A satisfier is a concept in decision-making and psychology that refers to a solution that is "good enough" or meets a minimum acceptable level of satisfaction, rather than striving for the absolute best or optimal solution. This idea was popularized by Herbert Simon as a contrast to the economic concept of "maximizers," who are assumed to always seek the best possible outcome.

Satisficers are content with finding an option that fulfills their needs or criteria, even if other, potentially superior, options might exist. This approach can be more efficient in terms of time and cognitive effort, especially when faced with numerous choices or complex decisions. For instance, when choosing a restaurant, a satisficer might select the first place they find that has a cuisine they like and is within their budget, whereas a maximizer might spend considerable time researching every available option to find the absolute highest-rated or best-value meal.

The tendency to satisfice or maximize can have implications for individual well-being and decision quality. While maximizing might lead to objectively better outcomes in some cases, it can also lead to greater regret, anxiety, and time expenditure. Satisficers, on the other hand, may experience less stress and more satisfaction with their decisions, even if those decisions are not always the absolute best. The choice between satisficing and maximizing often depends on the importance of the decision, the available information, and individual personality traits.