Which of the following factors can significantly affect decision-making and cognitive performance?

Mental illness can significantly affect decision-making and cognitive performance due to its impact on various cognitive processes. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia can lead to impaired judgment, difficulties in concentration, and reduced ability to process information. These cognitive impairments can affect how a person assesses risks, makes choices, and reacts to their environment, which is crucial in any decision-making scenario.

The influence of mental illness on cognitive performance is well-documented in psychological and neuroscientific research, highlighting the importance of mental health in effective decision-making. This context is critical because the clarity and reliability of thought processes are essential for evaluating alternatives and making sound decisions, especially in high-stakes situations.

Other factors listed, such as overtraining, excessive reading, and positive reinforcement, may have varying effects on cognitive performance, but they generally do not have the same profound or pervasive impact as mental illness. Overtraining primarily affects physical performance and may lead to burnout, while excessive reading can enhance knowledge but may not directly impede decision-making skills. Positive reinforcement is a motivational strategy that can improve behavior and decision-making in specific contexts but does not inherently affect cognitive performance in the same fundamental way that mental illness does.