action space

The area in which an individual moves and makes decisions about her or his life; for example, shopping, studying, or working. Localities which are well known to individuals are more often chosen as the places in which to base their activities; the decision-maker evaluates all the locations within the relevant action space by awarding each place utility, but if none of these sites offers adequate utility, the decision-maker will widen the search area, become familiar with a new area, and thus extend the action space. See also activity space, mental maps.