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Electrophysiological correlates of why humans deviate from rational decision-making: A registered replication study
Johannes Rodrigues1, Martin Weiß2,3, Grit Hein2
1Department of Psychology V: Differential Psychology, Personality Psychology and Psychological Diagnostics, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Human decision-making in economic games is non-rational. This study found that while some findings replicated, neural markers like feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3 amplitudes showed quadratic relationships with offers, highlighting cognitive control
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Economics
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Rational choice theory posits humans optimize decisions, but empirical evidence shows deviations.
- Previous research (Hewig et al., 2011) linked affective and physiological markers to non-rational decisions in economic games.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate and extend findings on affective correlates of decision-making in the ultimatum game (UG) and dictator game (DG).
- To investigate the relationship between offer value, neural responses (FRN, P3, theta), and acceptance behavior.
Main Methods:
- Replication of Hewig et al. (2011) study using the UG and DG.
- Measurement of behavioral patterns, subjective ratings, and psychophysiological responses (EEG: FRN, P3, midfrontal theta).
Main Results:
- Behavioral and subjective ratings closely matched original study.
- Autonomic nervous system effects were not replicated; FRN and P3 amplitudes showed quadratic, not linear, relationships with offer values.
- Higher midfrontal theta predicted lower acceptance in UG, suggesting cognitive control over behavioral defaults.
Conclusions:
- Decision-making in economic games is non-rational, influenced by situational, emotional, and neural factors.
- Findings conceptually support the original study's conclusions but reveal nuanced quadratic relationships and the role of cognitive control.
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