Action and valence modulate choice and choice-induced preference change.
Raphael Koster1, Emrah Duzel2, Raymond J Dolan3
1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|March 10, 2015
Summary
Active or passive choices influence decision-making and preference changes. This study found that the method of choice, action versus inaction, impacts valuation differently for positively and negatively valenced items, revealing action biases.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Decision Science
Background:
- Choices can be made actively or passively.
- Understanding how the mode of choice influences decision-making is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how active versus passive choice impacts the choice process.
- To examine preference changes induced by active or passive choice.
- To explore the influence of choice modality on item valuation.
Main Methods:
- Participants selected preferences for unfamiliar photographs through active or passive choice.
- Valuation ratings were collected before and after the choice task.
- A control condition involved choice made post re-evaluation.
Main Results:
- Chosen items' valuation increased, while unchosen items' valuation decreased, replicating previous findings.
- Active versus passive choice differentially affected revaluation dynamics for positive and negative items.
- A bias towards action was observed, with participants more frequently choosing via action than inaction.
Conclusions:
- The mode of choice (action vs. inaction) significantly modulates decision-making processes.
- Intrinsic biases favor action, suggesting a link between action and reward.
- These findings contribute to understanding how the manner of choice, not just outcomes, shapes decisions.
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