Adaptive Function of Maximization Decision-making Styles: A New Perspective Based on the Four-Quadrant Theoretical Model

Abstract: The maximization decision-making style includes two dimensions: the maximization goal and the maximization strategy, each exhibiting distinct adaptive functions. Most studies often rely on scores of the overall or the specific dimension, a method that fails to fully capture the complexity of maximizers. This review analyzes the differences and connections between the two dimensions of maximization from the perspective of motivation, leading to the proposal of a person-centered maximization four-quadrant model and its hypotheses. This model categorizes decision-makers into four types: mixed-type, goal-oriented, strategy-oriented, and non-maximizers. Based on this model, this review analyzes the adaptive functions of different types of maximizers from the perspectives of emotional adaptation and social consumption behavior adaptation. Finally, this review discusses the theoretical and practical value of the maximization four-quadrant model, and suggests that future research should further explore the interaction between dimensions, adopt a person-centered perspective, conduct longitudinal analyses, and investigate influencing factors and neurological foundations, to enhance understanding of adaptive functions of different types of maximizers.