Quantitative assessment of decision-making network structures: a methodological extension of the decision ladder

The decision ladder is a crucial tool of the Cognitive Work Analysis approach, but its potential as a framework for quantitative analysis of decision-making remains underexplored. This study describes a methodology of applying network analysis to work coded to the decision ladder. To exhibit this approach, it was applied to foster care treatment planning, a context with significant variability and important consequences for youth in care. Analysing the network structure of decision ladders, step length, and other measures provides insight into how these decisions are made and how this method can be leveraged to assess interventions, design training, and understand the nuances of a range of decision-making work.