Quick Definition: When newbies (and sometimes veterans) spend way too much time analyzing past sets instead of moving forward and gaining new experiences, either in pickup or in life.
Full Definition:
Analysis paralysis in decision making studies is a term used to describe when the opportunity cost of decision analysis exceeds the benefits that could be gained by reaching a decision. It can also refer to a situation where the sheer quantity of analysis far exceeds the decision making process itself or any type of benefit from analysis of such a decision. For example, deciding how many different components are in a meal when the person is starving.
In pickup, the same scenario happens, where some newbies may spend all night debating whether he should have negged the HB8 to get to the HB9, etc. These types of debrief discussions are usually helpful for 10-15 minutes from a few hours of fieldwork. However, they often become useless when the reason for the debate is for each artist to show off his or her skills and over analyzing a particular situation. In some cases, it is better to move onto new sets and scenarios for the purposes of learning. The answer may reveal itself through a pattern later down the road.
Usage:
New AFCs that often get approach anxiety often get analysis paralysis as well as rationalize why a set wasn’t approachable, where as a mPUA would have simply approached.
Related Terms: Field Experience, Field Report, Rationalization, Approach Anxiety, Debrief, Logistics, Group Theory, Newbie’s Paradox
