A short story is something that's not like a book. It only has short amount of details of what goes on and who is who...etc...
Victor assaults his investigations with excitement and, overlooking his public activity and his family far away in Geneva, gains quick ground. Later, Ardently dedicating himself to this work, he ignores everything else; family, companions, studies, and public activity, and becomes progressively pale, desolate, and fixated.
Answer:
To make a better and informed decision
Explanation:
The main reason why the multiple alternatives are searched to take a single decision is "To make a better and informed decision."
Given that alternative decisions are expected to be drawn from a wide range of experience, experimentation, and research knowledge. These alternatives are then assessed and evaluated before reaching a final decision.
Hence, in this case, the main reason for conducting an alternative before making a decision is to "Experience, experimentation, and research."
Answer: I'm gonna guess simile since you didn't show us the paragraph.