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Rational choice modeling refers to the use of decision theory (the theory of rational choice) as a set of guidelines to help understand economic and social behavior.[1][2] The theory tries to approximate, predict, or mathematically model human behavior by analyzing the behavior of a rational actor facing the same costs and benefits.[3][4]
Rational choice models are most closely-associated with economics, where mathematical analysis of behavior is standard. However, they are widely-used throughout the social sciences, and are commonly applied to cognitive science, criminology, political science,[5] and sociology.[6]
^Susanne Lohmann (2008). "Rational Choice and Political Science," The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, 2nd Edition.AbstractArchived 2013-05-22 at the Wayback Machine.