Event-related Potentials Corresponding to Decision-making Under Uncertain Conditions

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Decision Science

Background:

• Decision-making under uncertainty is crucial for human functioning.
• Impaired decision-making is a feature of various pathological conditions.
• Identifying neural markers of decision-making under uncertainty is vital for clinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe electroencephalography event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with decision-making under uncertain versus certain conditions.
• To identify neural correlates of uncertainty using EEG.

Main Methods:

• A novel card-matching task, adapted from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, was employed.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure neural activity in 27 neurotypical individuals.
• Specific 500-ms intervals within 2 seconds post-card presentation were analyzed for ERPs related to uncertainty.

Main Results:

• An electroencephalography event-related potential (ERP) was identified in the 500-1000 ms timeframe (certain > uncertain) in the left posterior inferior scalp region.
• A P300-like ERP was observed in left frontal and parietal regions within 0-500 ms, associated with feedback processing (incorrect > correct).

Conclusions:

• The identified ERPs may serve as markers for the resolution of uncertainty during decision-making.
• A P300-like ERP is linked to the processing of feedback.
• These neural markers can inform future studies on improving decision-making and treating impaired decision-making.