Parametric shift from rational to irrational decisions in mice.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Economics
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Classical economic theory assumes rational decision-making to maximize income.
• Observed deviations from optimal choices suggest influence of covert factors like emotion and sunk cost.
• Understanding factors driving suboptimal decisions and their extent remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate contexts and extent of deviations from optimal decision-making.
• To analyze mouse behavior in a controlled economic choice task.
• To determine the primary drivers of suboptimal choices in mice.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel decision-making task for mice with adjustable cost-benefit parameters.
• Defined a tractable optimal solution for comparison.
• Quantified sensitivity to sunk cost and analyzed behavioral deviations.

Main Results:

• The cost parameter was the strongest contributor to suboptimal performance in mice.
• Sensitivity to sunk cost was identified as another significant factor reducing optimality.
• In specific conditions (unattractive large reward, low small reward cost), sunk cost sensitivity and suboptimality diminished.

Conclusions:

• Mouse "rationality" is not absolute but a task-specific construct.
• Cost and sunk cost sensitivity significantly influence economic choices in mice.
• Behavior approximated rationality when objective valuation, free from covert factors, guided decisions.