Home > Judging Teams > Consumer Decision Making

Consumer Decision Making

The Tennessee 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest helps youth build practical skills for making smart, fact-based choices in everyday life. Through this hands-on competition, participants learn to evaluate products, compare quality, and make informed decisions that best meet specific needs or situations. The contest also strengthens reasoning, communication, and teamwork skills as members present oral reasons to explain their choices—helping them think critically and make confident decisions in real-world settings.

CDM Study Guide

    • About the Contest

    This contest is open to 4-H members in the 9th to 12th grade, as of January 1st of the current year. The top four senior teams from each region will advance to the state contest. Please check the regional calendar for the exact date and location.

    • Teams consist of three or four members.
    • The top three individual scores are combined for the team total.

    The contest has three main parts:

    1. Placing and Ranking – Participants rank four items in each class based on how well they meet a given scenario. The contest includes four to six classes.

    2. Oral Reasons – Members give one to two sets of oral reasons to explain their decisions for selected classes. This portion helps develop confidence and communication skills.

    3. Group Think – Teams work together to solve a consumer situation and present their solution to judges.

    • Teams have 10 minutes total to discuss and present.
    • Scoring is based on team participation and the decision-making process, not the final answer.

    The state contest takes place during Fall Judging Day on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus each year in October, giving 4-H members the chance to showcase their skills and connect with others from across the state.

    The first- and second-place state teams advance to the National Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas, held each January.

    • The first-place team competes in the National Consumer Decision-Making Contest.
    • First-place team: $1,000 travel award to the National Consumer Decision Making Contest
    • Second-place team: competes in the National FCS Quiz Bowl.
    • Second-place team: $1,000 travel award to the National FCS Quiz Bowl

    • Champion team: Plaque and medallions for each member
    • High-scoring individual: Plaque recognition

    • Tennessee 4-H Youth Development
    • 2621 Morgan Circle, 205 Morgan Hall
    • Knoxville, TN 37996-4510
    • P: 865-974-2128
    UT Extension 4-H Youth Development logo