What defines someone who engages in hesitant decision-making?

The characteristic that defines someone who engages in hesitant decision-making is rooted in their cautious nature due to uncertainty. Individuals who exhibit hesitant decision-making often grapple with doubts and concerns about the potential outcomes and consequences of their choices. This uncertainty prevents them from acting quickly or confidently, leading to a thorough evaluation of their options and potential risks. Their deliberation arises from a desire to avoid mistakes or unfavorable results, making them more prone to hesitation before arriving at a decision.

In contrast, the other options describe traits associated with decisiveness or a reliance on external factors, which do not align with the concept of hesitant decision-making. For instance, making decisions swiftly and confidently denotes a lack of hesitation, feeling assured in one's knowledge implies a strong sense of certainty, and following popular opinion reflects conformity rather than an independent, uncertain decision-making process. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of hesitant decision-making.