function of the powerful symbolism of our dreams.” Dream can be interpreted on an objective level or on a subjective level.
On objective level the dream is related to the dreamer’s environment, while on subjective level the dream-figures are taken as representing aspects of the
dreamer’s personality. Fordham states, “The subjective aspect of dreams becomes more important in the subjective level of analysis when the personal problems
have been seen and understood” 1956: 99.
3. Theory on Decision Making
In order to analyze the problem of choices, the decision making process and the influence towards decision making process, the writer employs some
theories from the field of psychology such as theory of dilemma, heuristic in judgment and decision making methodology. These theories explain the
characteristics of problem of choices—what changes them into dilemma, the factors that influence someone in deciding things and how someone can influence
other’s decision.
a. Dilemma
Behn and Vaupel state that there are three major complications that can turn a decision into a dilemma. The first is when people may not know the precise
consequences of their alternatives. The future is not predictable, and that may influence the outcome of their decision. The second major factor is a clash
between consequences. The third reason why a decision may be a dilemma is
complexity. Some problems are so complicated that they are hard to examine and define precisely; there are too many alternatives, too many uncertainties, and too
many possible consequences 1982: 15.
b. Decision Making Process
1 Heuristic in Judgment
Atkinson says that decision relies on heuristics. Heuristics are thing that are discovered and learnt from own experiences. Past experiences often play a
greater role than relevant information when a choice must be made. Heuristics allow us to decide quickly on the value of a certain action or the probability of
certain consequences, without deliberating over a heuristic appropriateness to a particular situation.
There are two major heuristics. The first is the heuristics of representativeness. People base their predictions on close similarity between the
predicted event and typical example. The second is heuristic of availability. People base predictions on comparison of the current situation with similar
situations in the past, and their judgment depends upon the range of past example they recall. When similar situations have been experienced frequently, it is likely
that the future events will be similar to them and the correct and suitable situations will be easy to recall. People regard easily recalled information as typical one and
then predict the typical conclusion spontaneously Atkinson 1983: 239.
2 Decision Making Methodology
Decision-making process involves sequential steps. Hansen 1977: 420 proposes the steps of making good decision. They are defining problem,
generating alternatives, gathering information, processing information, making plans and selecting goals, and implementing and evaluating plans. First is defining
the problem. This step focuses on the problem itself. It tries to answer the question on what the problem is and why the problem becomes. Second is generating
alternatives. Third is gathering information. One gathers information that helps him to
consider the alternatives. Information may not guarantee a good decision but without it, the chances of a good decision can decrease. Herr and Cramer Hansen,
1977: 422 are grouping information in four categories. They are inner-limiting factors such as ability, skills; inner-directing factors such as values, interest;
outer-limiting factors such as accessibility and scope of educational and occupational opportunities; and outer-directing factors such as social class
expectancies or familial aspiration. During this phase, one’s abilities, values, educational and occupational opportunities and public expectations are examined
so that the solution will be in harmony with one’s goals. Fourth is processing information. At this stage based on factual
information such as amount of time and money involved, the information is processed. One can then predict the probabilities of success in his decision
Hansen, 1977: 423. Fifth is making plans and selecting goals. After careful examination on
values and alternatives, one makes his final decision to be applied. It might be possible to provide some practical experience in this step Hansen, 1977: 423.
Sixth is implementing and evaluating plans. The decision that has been made need to be implemented to find out the result and one must prepare himself
towards any consequences from the decision. The decision may be tested at this stage, and then further information can be gained and use as a feed back to next
decision making process. Evaluation should become part of the decision making process Hansen, 1977: 424.
4. The Relation between Psychology and Literature
