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Understanding perceptual decisions by studying development and neurodiversity
Catherine Manning1,2, Gaia Scerif2
1School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK.
Current Directions in Psychological Science
|August 7, 2023
Summary
Understanding perceptual decisions reveals how we process sensory information. This review explores developmental and neurodivergent factors influencing adult decision-making variability.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Human information processing relies on decisions about sensory input.
- Skilled adult observers are the typical focus, yet significant judgment variability exists.
- Understanding decision-making variability is crucial for cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing perceptual decision-making across development.
- To explain variability in adult perceptual judgments.
- To integrate computational, electrophysiological, and behavioral data.
Main Methods:
- Computational modeling of perceptual decisions.
- Electrophysiological data analysis.
- Eye-tracking and longitudinal study designs.
- Review of neurotypical and neurodivergent development.
Main Results:
- Identified multiple parameters and temporal dynamics in perceptual decision-making.
- Highlighted developmental trajectories in becoming skilled decision-makers.
- Provided insights into the sources of individual differences in judgment.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual decision-making is shaped by complex developmental and individual factors.
- Variability in adult decision-making can be explained by diverse parameters and dynamics.
- This integrated approach offers a framework for understanding cognitive skill acquisition.
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