The Units of a Pros and Cons List

Faced with this list of pros and cons, how do you compare the lists and arrive at a decision?

What are the units for items on the list of Pros and Cons for an Aggressive Response?

Match the correct unit to the corresponding Pro

Pros:

1. Minimizes potential loss of life

2. Immediate action projects strength to constituents

3. Prevents virus from spreading and affecting other parts of country

Units:

A. Unit = Regions Protected

B. Unit = Reputation Improved

C. Unit = Lives Saved

Match the correct unit to the corresponding Con

Cons:

1. Reduces economic activity in the region

2. Little currently known about virus--emergency response may be overreaction

3. Expensive to implement

Units:

A. Unit = Money Lost

B. Unit = Money Spent

C. Unit = Future Information Foregone

🔽 Click here to see the answer key:

Try It Yourself: Comparing Units

Examine the units for the pros and cons. Can you make any direct comparisons?

- - Yes, the units allow for comparison.
  - No, the units don't allow for comparison.

Feedback
The factors that make up the list of pros and cons are measured in very different units that make direct comparisons problematic. Therefore, the correct answer is "No, the units don't allow for comparison."

Comparison Difficulties

On the previous page, you were prompted to add a new pro or con for this list. Does your additional item share a common unit with the units for pros and cons already on the list? If your additional item does not share a unit listed here, the direct comparison may have become even more complex by adding a factor that is measured in a completely different unit.

Generating a list of pros and cons can be a good way to start on a problem, but for all but the most obvious decisions it can become very difficult to weigh the pros against the cons and make a choice. Tackling this problem involves one type of systematic approach to decision-making: the Cost-Benefit Analysis.

The Units of a Pros and Cons List

What are the units for items on the list of Pros and Cons for an Aggressive Response?

Answer Key

Try It Yourself: Comparing Units