Revaluation of Subjective Values During Sequential Decision-Making Explains Serial Dependencies

Alapfogalmak

The subjective values of decision alternatives change dynamically during the deliberation process leading to a preference choice, resulting in serial dependencies in decision-making.

Kivonat

The study examines the process of value-based decision-making, where individuals choose between familiar items (e.g., snack foods) based on their subjective values. The authors argue that the assumption of stable, fixed values for the decision alternatives is not valid, as the subjective values can change during the deliberation process.
Key insights:

Choices made by participants exhibit serial dependencies, where the probability of choosing the same item in repeated trials decreases as the time between trials increases. This suggests that the subjective values of the items are not fixed.
The authors developed a revaluation algorithm (Reval) that updates the subjective values of the chosen and unchosen items after each decision. The revalued (r-) values better explain the choice behavior and response times compared to the explicitly reported (e-) values.
Applying Reval in the correct order of the trials (as presented) explains the choices better than applying it in reverse order, indicating that the revaluation process is sensitive to the temporal order of the decisions.
A drift-diffusion model with temporally correlated evidence samples (ceDDM) can capture the revaluation effects observed in the data, suggesting that the revaluation may arise from the deliberation process leading to the decision, rather than post-decision processes.
The degree of revaluation is stronger for the chosen item compared to the unchosen item, potentially due to the asymmetric distribution of attention between the two options during the decision process.
The revaluation effects are observed across multiple datasets using the food choice task, demonstrating the generality of the findings.

The results challenge the assumption of stable, fixed values in value-based decision-making and suggest that the subjective values are constructed dynamically during the deliberation process, leading to sequential dependencies in choices.

Statisztikák

"Participants were more likely to select the same option when presentations of the same pair were closer in time (Fig. 3)."
"On average, each choice changed the value of the chosen and unchosen items by $0.18 ± 0.016 (mean ± s.e.m., Fig. 4C, inset)."
"The increase in value for the chosen option is greater than the decrease in value for the unchosen option (paired t-test)."

Idézetek

"Subjective values depend on the internal state of the decision maker, including their desires, needs, priorities, attentional state, and goals, which may change over time."
"We argue that revaluation is a consequence of the process by which values are constructed during deliberation to resolve preference choices."
"The revaluation effect we find cannot be explained by the artifact identified by Chen and Risen (2010)."

Főbb Kivonatok

Value construction through sequential sampling explains serial dependencies in decision making

by Zylberberg,A... : www.biorxiv.org 01-15-2024

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.13.575363v1

Mélyebb kérdések

How do the dynamics of value construction and revaluation differ across different decision domains (e.g., consumer choices, social decisions, moral decisions)

In different decision domains, such as consumer choices, social decisions, and moral decisions, the dynamics of value construction and revaluation can vary based on the context and the underlying factors influencing the decision-making process.
Consumer choices often involve evaluating products or services based on attributes like price, quality, and brand reputation. In this domain, the construction of subjective value may be influenced by factors such as marketing strategies, personal preferences, and past experiences. Revaluation in consumer choices could occur as a result of changing trends, new information, or shifts in personal priorities.
In social decisions, where interactions with others play a significant role, the dynamics of value construction and revaluation may be shaped by social norms, relationships, and the desire for social approval. The subjective value of choices in social contexts may be influenced by factors like reciprocity, fairness, and group dynamics. Revaluation in social decisions could stem from changes in social dynamics, evolving relationships, or new information about others.
In moral decisions, where ethical considerations and principles guide choices, the dynamics of value construction and revaluation may be driven by moral reasoning, empathy, and societal norms. The subjective value of options in moral dilemmas may be influenced by factors like moral intuitions, ethical frameworks, and the perceived consequences of actions. Revaluation in moral decisions could arise from shifts in moral perspectives, new ethical insights, or changes in societal values.
Overall, the dynamics of value construction and revaluation vary across decision domains due to the unique factors and considerations that shape decision-making processes in each context.

What are the neural mechanisms underlying the revaluation process, and how do they relate to the dynamics of attention and memory retrieval during decision-making

The neural mechanisms underlying the revaluation process are closely linked to the dynamics of attention and memory retrieval during decision-making. During the revaluation process, several brain regions are involved in encoding, updating, and representing the subjective value of decision alternatives.
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a key brain region implicated in representing the subjective value of options during decision-making. Studies have shown that activity in the vmPFC correlates with the subjective value assigned to decision alternatives. In the context of revaluation, the vmPFC may play a crucial role in updating the value of chosen and unchosen options based on the outcomes of decisions.
Attentional mechanisms, involving regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and parietal cortex, are involved in directing attention to relevant information during decision-making. Attentional processes influence which attributes of decision alternatives are considered and how they are weighted in the construction of subjective value. Changes in attentional focus can lead to reevaluation of options based on different criteria or attributes.
Memory retrieval processes, supported by regions like the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe, play a role in recalling past experiences, preferences, and outcomes related to decision alternatives. Memory retrieval is essential for updating the value of options based on previous choices, feedback, and contextual information. Revaluation may involve the integration of new information with existing memories to adjust the subjective value of decision alternatives.
The interplay between attention, memory retrieval, and neural representations of subjective value underlies the revaluation process during decision-making, highlighting the complex neural mechanisms involved in updating preferences and choices.

Could the revaluation process be leveraged to influence decision-making in applied settings, such as consumer behavior or health-related choices

The revaluation process observed in decision-making could be leveraged to influence choices and behaviors in various applied settings, such as consumer behavior and health-related decisions. By understanding how subjective values can change over time and through deliberation, practitioners can design interventions and strategies to guide decision-making outcomes.
In consumer behavior, businesses can use revaluation techniques to enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and purchasing decisions. By providing opportunities for customers to revisit and update their preferences, businesses can tailor their offerings, marketing strategies, and product features to align with changing consumer values. Revaluation strategies could involve personalized recommendations, feedback mechanisms, and interactive decision-making tools that facilitate the updating of preferences based on evolving needs and preferences.
In health-related choices, such as diet and exercise decisions, revaluation processes can be harnessed to promote healthier behaviors and lifestyle changes. Health interventions that incorporate revaluation principles can help individuals reassess their priorities, goals, and motivations for making positive health choices. By encouraging reflection, feedback, and self-monitoring, revaluation strategies can support individuals in adjusting their attitudes and behaviors towards healthier options.
Overall, leveraging the revaluation process in applied settings requires a deep understanding of individual preferences, decision-making dynamics, and the factors influencing value construction. By incorporating revaluation techniques into interventions and decision support systems, practitioners can empower individuals to make more informed, adaptive, and value-based choices in various domains.