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Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations
Published on: September 16, 2015
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Confidence ratings increase response thresholds in decision making.
Baike Li1,2, Xiao Hu3, David R Shanks4
1School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Soliciting confidence ratings (CRs) during decision-making improves accuracy and response times (RTs) by increasing response thresholds. This suggests individuals become more cautious when asked to report their confidence.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Decision Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Many cognitive processes are reactive, changing due to introspection and monitoring.
- Trial-by-trial confidence ratings (CRs) are known to improve decision accuracy and lengthen response times (RTs).
- The underlying cognitive mechanisms of CR reactivity in decision-making remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind how confidence ratings (CRs) reactively influence decision-making.
- To explore the impact of CRs on decision accuracy, response times (RTs), and underlying decision processes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two experiments to examine the effects of confidence ratings.
- Utilized the drift-diffusion model (DDM) to analyze decision-making dynamics.
- Measured decision accuracy, response times (RTs), and response thresholds.
Main Results:
- Confidence ratings (CRs) led to enhanced decision accuracy.
- Soliciting CRs resulted in significantly longer response times (RTs).
- The drift-diffusion model analysis revealed higher response thresholds when CRs were provided.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the increased conservatism hypothesis.
- Soliciting confidence ratings appears to induce feelings of uncertainty, leading to more cautious decision-making.
- Confidence reporting reactively alters decision parameters, promoting greater accuracy through increased caution.
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