Đề thi VSTEP Reading B2 — Decision Fatigue

In recent years, psychologists have paid increasing attention to a phenomenon known as decision fatigue. This term refers to the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long period of decision-making. According to research, the average adult makes thousands of small choices every day—from what to wear to what to eat for breakfast. Each choice, no matter how minor, uses up a small amount of mental energy. By the end of the day, the brain's ability to evaluate options and resist impulsive choices becomes significantly weaker. Studies in retail environments have shown that shoppers who face many decisions early in a shopping trip are more likely to make impulse purchases later on. This is why some stores place essential items near the back of the building: it forces customers to walk past other products first. Understanding decision fatigue can help individuals structure their day so that the most important choices are made earlier, when their mental resources are still fresh.