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Distinction between Externally vs. Internally Guided Decision-Making: Operational Differences, Meta-Analytical
Takashi Nakao1, Hideki Ohira, Georg Northoff
1Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics, Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|March 10, 2012
Summary
Brain mechanisms for internally guided decisions, like moral judgments, differ from externally guided ones. This study highlights the need to examine both decision-making types for a complete understanding of cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Decision Science
Background:
- Most decision-making research focuses on externally guided choices with uncertain outcomes.
- Internally guided decision-making, common in moral judgments and preferences, lacks clear external criteria.
- The neural and psychological basis of internally guided decisions remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically and theoretically compare externally guided and internally guided decision-making.
- To clarify experimental and operational distinctions between the two decision-making types.
- To investigate the distinct neural networks underlying each decision-making process.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to define operational differences between externally and internally guided decision-making.
- Whole-brain quantitative meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies using multi-level kernel density analysis.
- Theoretical discussion integrating operational and neuronal findings.
Main Results:
- A distinct neural network predominantly supports internally guided decision-making compared to externally guided decision-making under uncertainty.
- Externally guided decision-making under uncertainty primarily utilizes a different neural network.
- Significant differences were identified in the operational and neuronal characteristics of the two decision-making types.
Conclusions:
- Studying only externally guided decision-making under uncertainty is insufficient to fully explain brain-based decision processes.
- Internally guided decision-making relies on distinct neural mechanisms.
- A comprehensive understanding of decision-making requires considering both internally and externally guided processes.
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