From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making

Every day, we make many value-based decisions where we weigh the value of options with other properties, e.g. their time of delivery. In the laboratory, such value-based decision-making is usually studied on a trial by trial basis and each decision is assumed to represent an isolated choice process....

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Main Authors: Stefan Scherbaum, Steven J. Lade, Stefan Siegmund, Thomas Goschke, Maja Dshemuchadse
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2022-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9022817/?tool=EBI
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author Stefan Scherbaum
Steven J. Lade
Stefan Siegmund
Thomas Goschke
Maja Dshemuchadse
author_facet Stefan Scherbaum
Steven J. Lade
Stefan Siegmund
Thomas Goschke
Maja Dshemuchadse
author_sort Stefan Scherbaum
collection DOAJ
description Every day, we make many value-based decisions where we weigh the value of options with other properties, e.g. their time of delivery. In the laboratory, such value-based decision-making is usually studied on a trial by trial basis and each decision is assumed to represent an isolated choice process. Real-life decisions however are usually embedded in a rich context of previous choices at different time scales. A fundamental question is therefore how the dynamics of value-based decision processes unfold on a time scale across several decisions. Indeed, findings from perceptual decision making suggest that sequential decisions patterns might also be present for vale-based decision making. Here, we use a neural-inspired attractor model as an instance of dynamic models from perceptual decision making, as such models incorporate inherent activation dynamics across decisions. We use the model to predict sequential patterns, namely oscillatory switching, perseveration and dependence of perseveration on the delay between decisions. Furthermore, we predict RT effects for specific sequences of trials. We validate the predictions in two new studies and a reanalysis of existing data from a novel decision game in which participants have to perform delay discounting decisions. Applying the validated reasoning to a well-established choice questionnaire, we illustrate and discuss that taking sequential choice patterns into account may be necessary to accurately analyse and model value-based decision processes, especially when considering differences between individuals.
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spelling doaj.art-03c8484fe6bc4efab42faf910f66d0772022-12-22T01:52:51ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032022-01-01174From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-makingStefan ScherbaumSteven J. LadeStefan SiegmundThomas GoschkeMaja DshemuchadseEvery day, we make many value-based decisions where we weigh the value of options with other properties, e.g. their time of delivery. In the laboratory, such value-based decision-making is usually studied on a trial by trial basis and each decision is assumed to represent an isolated choice process. Real-life decisions however are usually embedded in a rich context of previous choices at different time scales. A fundamental question is therefore how the dynamics of value-based decision processes unfold on a time scale across several decisions. Indeed, findings from perceptual decision making suggest that sequential decisions patterns might also be present for vale-based decision making. Here, we use a neural-inspired attractor model as an instance of dynamic models from perceptual decision making, as such models incorporate inherent activation dynamics across decisions. We use the model to predict sequential patterns, namely oscillatory switching, perseveration and dependence of perseveration on the delay between decisions. Furthermore, we predict RT effects for specific sequences of trials. We validate the predictions in two new studies and a reanalysis of existing data from a novel decision game in which participants have to perform delay discounting decisions. Applying the validated reasoning to a well-established choice questionnaire, we illustrate and discuss that taking sequential choice patterns into account may be necessary to accurately analyse and model value-based decision processes, especially when considering differences between individuals.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9022817/?tool=EBI
spellingShingle Stefan Scherbaum
Steven J. Lade
Stefan Siegmund
Thomas Goschke
Maja Dshemuchadse
From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
PLoS ONE
title From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
title_full From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
title_fullStr From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
title_full_unstemmed From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
title_short From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
title_sort from single decisions to sequential choice patterns extending the dynamics of value based decision making
url https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9022817/?tool=EBI
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