The investigation of the effect of cognitive factors on decision making in adolescence in terms of psychology of religion (In the case of Adapazarı)

Decision making is a cognitive process that includes voluntary or involuntary choices of individuals in every parts of their life. This study was completed to ascertain the effects of religion in the decision making process of an individual. In the province of Sakarya, district of Adapazarı, "The Effect of Cognitive Factors on Decision Making Scole" was implemented to 263 students that were randomly selected from different types of schools.When the students were being selected and four different types of schools chosen, the capacity for the study to represent a system efficiently was ensured. A five point Likert scale was prepared to be used as a data collection tool, after a pilot scheme was carried out. The study's principle theorythe students who are studying in high school act with the influence and direction of the religion they believe in making a decision on any subject in social and everyday life.The data acquired also supports the study's principle theory. When the scale and its sub-dimensions were compared with the demographıc information, it was confirmed that the students of Imam-Hatip Highschool, whose Theoretical and Practical knowledge in the matter of living and implementing religious belief exceed that of the students of Anadolu Highschool and Private Highschools, exhibit a more positive behaviour. It was confirmed that as the level of religious devotion of families,commitment to religious doctrine, and obeying the religious doctrines in the decision making process increases, behaviour cognizant with compassion, empathy and responsibilityin daily life was exhibited.