What is the first step in the decision-making model?

The first step in the decision-making model is gathering information. This is the crucial step where all the necessary information is collected and analyzed in order to make an informed decision. Assessing the situation (option A) may come after gathering information, as it involves understanding the implications of the information gathered. Deciding (option B) comes after all information has been gathered and assessed. Documenting (option D) is also an important step, but it is typically done after a decision has been made and serves to record and communicate the decision. Therefore, it is not the first step in the decision-making model.