Answer:
gathering information
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision making process is critical for considering all relevant elements and avoiding errors when a decision needs to be made. From this process, complexity and uncertainty gradually give way to a deeper understanding of the problem and the cost-effectiveness of the available options. Regarding the case presented in the question above, we can say that Professor Thompson, in the phase called gathering information, in the decision making process.
The phase called gathering information is about understanding the situation, gathering as much information about the problem as possible. This phase is directed to the causes of a problem or to the justifications of a position in the problem. One tip to use this phase is to use mind maps to associate the description of the problem and the data obtained about it.