Final answer:
The rational decision-making process is typified by systematic analysis and evaluation, which is a structured approach contrasting with emotion-driven, intuitive, or impulsive decision-making methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rational decision-making process is most often characterized by systematic analysis and evaluation. This method is descriptive of a logical and structured approach to making a choice where the decision-maker will use information and consistent logical steps to arrive at a decision. In contrast, rational decision-making stands opposed to decision-making practices such as emotion-driven choices, intuitive decision-making, and impulsive decision-making, which do not involve the same level of deliberate analysis.
For instance, in economic models, rationality is assumed; it suggests that individuals make informed, consistent decisions that ultimately serve their best interest by taking into account all available information. This reveals the importance of cognitive skills in decision-making and reflects a more analytical approach as contrasted with heuristics, which are practical rules enabling quicker and easier decision-making, but not necessarily involving in-depth analysis.