The neural computation of inconsistent choice behavior

The neural computation of inconsistent choice behavior

Humans are often inconsistent (irrational) when choosing among simple bundles of goods, even without any particular changes to framing or context. However, the neural computations that give rise to such inconsistencies are still unknown. Similar to sensory perception and motor output, we propose tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2019-04, Vol.10 (1), p.1583-1583, Article 1583
Main Authors: Kurtz-David, Vered, Persitz, Dotan, Webb, Ryan, Levy, Dino J
Format: Article
Language:eng
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Behavior
Brain
Brain - physiology
Brain Mapping
Choice Behavior
Computation
Computer applications
Decision Making
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Models, Neurological
Sensory perception
Utility functions
Variability
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Humans are often inconsistent (irrational) when choosing among simple bundles of goods, even without any particular changes to framing or context. However, the neural computations that give rise to such inconsistencies are still unknown. Similar to sensory perception and motor output, we propose that a substantial component of inconsistent behavior is due to variability in the neural computation of value. Here, we develop a novel index that measures the severity of inconsistency of each choice, enabling us to directly trace its neural correlates. We find that the BOLD signal in the vmPFC, ACC, and PCC is correlated with the severity of inconsistency on each trial and with the subjective value of the chosen alternative. This suggests that deviations from rational choice arise in the regions responsible for value computation. We offer a computational model of how variability in value computation is a source of inconsistent choices.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723