Real-Life Decision Making
You are nearing the end of your research on a northern glacier. The skies are growing darker earlier, and the air is growing colder. Soon the environment will be too inhospitable for your research team.
But that is OK with you. Your team of glaciologists has almost finished collecting the data and information they will need to take back to the laboratories to research over the winter.
In fact, you need just one more core sample of the glacier, and you will be all finished. You want to press ahead and collect the last sample tonight. After all, the spot you want to test is only 200 feet in the distance.
But your colleagues disagree with your decision. "We are tired and it's getting late," says one of your colleagues. "We should come and get the final samples tomorrow." Your colleagues turn to head down the glacier.
But think of the money you could save if you got the sample now! After all, your research is being done under a tight budget. You could start away from your research camp tomorrow morning when the plane makes its weekly visit. Otherwise you'd have to wait for the next trip.
Your colleagues are leaving, but you could simply walk 200 feet ahead, collect your sample and be done.
"On a glacier there are crevasses everywhere, and you have to be able to recognize them," says Brian Moorman, a glaciologist. "If you fall down one, you will likely die."
What do you do?