Choice is Good, But Not Too Much
By Joy VerPlanck
I was an adult the first time I realized I enjoyed yogurt—a discovery that felt like a whole new world of healthy, convenient snacks had opened up for me. Excited to stock up, I headed to my local grocery store, where I stood in awe of an entire aisle dedicated to yogurt stretching as far as the eye could see. But I was quickly overwhelmed. Faced with a dizzying array of choices—different milk types, flavors, fat percentages, and textures—I suddenly had no idea what I wanted. Despite my enthusiasm and readiness to buy, I left the store empty-handed and, surprisingly, disappointed.
Turns out, my decision paralysis isn’t just me—it’s a well-known concept in psychology called the "paradox of choice," the "tyranny of freedom," or "choice overload." Researchers have found when presented with abundant choice, we’re actually happier with our decisions when we have fewer options to choose from. When we’re faced with too many choices, even the one we pick can leave us feeling less satisfied. While limiting selection is now a common consumer tactic, famously deployed at one grocery chain, option-overwhelm is still prevalent, partly because of a persistent theory claiming choice matters most.
It’s True, Choices are Good
Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a psychological framework developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, emphasizes that autonomy—having control over our choices—is a basic human need. And it’s not just a feel-good concept; science backs it up. Research shows that feeling autonomous can boost both mood and productivity. Even the simple perception of control can significantly enhance our ability to work, learn, and thrive.
This need for autonomy starts early. It’s no surprise that when kids are given the chance to make their own choices—like deciding what game to play or which snack to eat—they feel good about the decision. Autonomy helps develop stronger problem-solving skills and self-regulation, skills that serve us well into adulthood. In many ways, autonomy acts like a superpower: a little of it can go a long way, whether you’re a child exploring the world or an adult tackling life’s bigger decisions.
Too Much Choice Can Add Cognitive Load
In the classroom, too many choices—like selecting topics, assignments, or learning materials—can easily overwhelm students who are already experiencing the cognitive demands of knowledge transfer and life as fast-growing humans. When faced with an abundance of options, they often feel paralyzed, disengaged, or unsure about how to move forward. This isn’t just about decision fatigue; it’s also about how too many choices can dilute focus and make learning feel less manageable.
Classrooms are filled with plenty of opportunities for students to exercise autonomy, like choosing how to approach a project, deciding on group or solo work, or picking a book for a report. The trick is to make those choices meaningful and manageable. Instead of offering dozens of options for study guides or homework, educators can provide a thoughtfully-curated set of possibilities that align with students’ interests and goals. This way, students feel supported rather than overwhelmed, and their decision-making confidence grows without unnecessary cognitive strain.
Striking the Right Balance
Offering just the right amount of choice can make all the difference in creating a classroom where students feel engaged and confident rather than frustrated or stuck. It’s all about balancing freedom with structure—giving students enough options to feel empowered but not so many that they tip into decision fatigue. A handful of thoughtful options for a project topic or assignment style feels empowering for students. But give them 20, and the process can quickly shift from exciting to overwhelming.
Balancing autonomy with cognitive load is like walking into the yogurt aisle at the grocery store. When faced with 47 flavors and 15 brands, you might leave craving something else. But with a few options, you can easily pick something that leaves you satisfied and coming back for more.
This article was crafted by Joy VerPlanck, an independent contributor engaged by CheckIT Labs, Inc. to provide insights on this topic.
