Which step comes after gathering information?

• A. Define the problem
• B. Identify alternatives
• C. Gather information
• D. Evaluate the decision

Answer: (B)

After gathering information, the next move is to identify alternatives. With the data collected, you need to brainstorm and lay out the possible actions you could take to address the issue. This creates a set of options to evaluate and compare, which comes next in the decision-making process.

Defining the problem typically happens earlier, before you start collecting data, because you need a clear problem statement to guide what information to seek. Evaluating the decision and selecting the best course of action come after you have identified and analyzed the alternatives.