Neuroscience, the Unconscious and Professional Decision Making: Implications for ICT

The science of professional decision making and resulting information and communication technology (ICT) tools are typically based on a rational decision-making model designed to minimize the influence of emotions and biases. However, neuroscience suggests our brain naturally incorporates both unconscious emotion and conscious cognition in its mental processes, and professional decision processes are best that integrate these rational and emotional systems. This article explores recent neuroscience findings along with the implications for human service professional decision making and the ICT tools designed to support this decision making.