L10.2 - Decision-making and the brain

What is a decision

• A species of bird known for its colourful plumage

• a deliberative process that results in the commitment to a categorical position

• A mathematical equation used to solve complex problems

• A type of fruit commonly found in tropical regions

What is a perceptual decision

• emphasises the role of sensory information in directing behaviour

• A decision made based solely on taste preferences

• A decision influenced by emotional factors

• A decision guided solely by logical reasoning

How do we get better at perceptual decision-making

• increase the noise (the variability) interfering with the spread of the signal

• reduce the noise (the variability) interfering with the spread of the signal

What are reward expectations

• the expected value of the outcome

• Predictions of upcoming social events

• Memories of past experiences

• Beliefs about the weather forecast

A lesion to which part of the brain impairs tasks in which the value of objects and rewards change

• occipital lobe

• temporal lobe

• orbitofrontal cortex

• limbic system

In the devaluation decision-making task in monkeys, which group had the least impairment (in order of least to worst)

• (1) control (2) orbitofrontal cortex (3) mediodorsal thalamus

• (1) control (2) mediodorsal thalamus (3) orbitofrontal cortex

• (1) orbitofrontal cortex (2) mediodorsal thalamus (3) control

• (1) mediodorsal thalamus (2) orbitofrontal cortex (3) control

What is the framing effect

• The process of constructing a building's framework

• The technique of painting a picture frame

• context and phrasing of a problem can influence a person's choice

• The act of creating a written outline for a project

Y/N? For risky decisions do 'losses loom larger than gains'

• Yes

• Ne

• Depends on our situation

What is the somatic marker theory

• A theory that explores the impact of neurological damage on cognitive functions

• emotion mechanism, based on bodily states that can generate feelings which rapidly signal the prospective consequence of actions, and so can influence bias or decision making

• A theory that explains how genes influence physical traits

• The study of physical markers used in biological research

T/F? Those participants who were most susceptible to the framing effect showed heightened activity in the orbitofrontal and ventro-medial frontal cortex

• True

• False