Using the brain to forecast decisions
Researchers used neural recordings to predict when a rat would give up waiting for a delayed tone. The findings suggest that individual brain cells cast votes for actions, but the outcome is not predetermined.
Decision Making
Articles tagged with Decision Making
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Decision analysis can help women make choices about breast reconstruction
Women facing breast cancer diagnosis can use decision analysis to evaluate alternatives for breast reconstruction, incorporating patient preferences and values. The process creates a 'decision tree' with options, outcomes, and values assigned to each outcome.
Experts call for widening the debate on climate change
Researchers at the University of Manchester argue that environmental scientists should provide more practical solutions to climate change, but recognize the need for a broader skill-set. They suggest integrating social science and humanities to enrich public debates about responding to environmental change.
In the face of uncertainty, the brain chooses randomness as the best strategy
In unpredictable situations, rats abandon past experience for random choices, controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex. This finding may have implications for human disorders like depression, where ordinary decision-making is ineffective.
Strategic or random? How the brain chooses
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus found that the brain can temporarily disconnect past experiences from decision-making circuits, triggering random behavior. The team manipulated a stress hormone called norepinephrine to switch between random and strategic modes.
Effect of intervention, removal of costs, on prenatal genetic testing
A study of pregnant women receiving computerized decision-support guides found significantly less invasive diagnostic testing compared to those without. The intervention resulted in more women choosing no or screening-only testing strategies.
Pupil size shows reliability of decisions
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that pupil size can predict the reliability of decisions. Researchers measured pupil size before participants made decisions and found that larger pupils were associated with poorer performance.
Sam Houston State study examines use of GIS in policing
A Sam Houston State University study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in policing, identifying key uses and limitations. The review found that while GIS is widely used for crime mapping and profiling, there is a lack of independent evaluations on its effectiveness in curbing crime.
The rich have more political clout in states, but stricter lobbying rules can narrow gap
A Baylor University study reveals that states with stricter lobbying regulations promote more equal political representation, narrowing the gap between rich and poor citizens' opinions. States with more restrictions on professional lobbyists tend to score higher in terms of equality of representation.
AGA releases new tool to help GIs evaluate and treat Crohn's disease
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a new clinical decision tool to guide gastroenterologists in assessing and treating patients with Crohn's disease. The tool synthesizes current literature to create a practical algorithm for clinicians, providing a pathway for better quality care.
Number-crunching could lead to unethical choices, says new study
Researchers found that people in a 'calculative mindset' are more likely to analyze non-numerical problems mathematically and overlook social and moral factors. Participants displayed significantly more selfish behavior when given lessons on calculative economics concepts.
Sometimes, adolescents just can't resist
A University of Iowa study found that teenagers' brains are more sensitive to immediate rewards, leading to impulsive behavior. The researchers suggest limiting distractions to help teens develop impulse-control skills.
Chemical signals in the brain help guide risky decisions
Research from University of British Columbia suggests dopamine plays a key role in guiding risky decisions. The study found that altering dopamine signals can impact decision-making, leading to more or less conservative choices.
Study: Role of emergency contact is mistaken for advance directive
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over 95% of patients treated in an Emergency Department incorrectly assume their emergency contact is their designated medical decision maker for end-of-life care. This misunderstanding can lead to invasive treatments and unnecessary suffering. The study emphasizes the importance of educati...
To admit or not to admit: Variation in hospitalizations from ER costs billions
A new University of Michigan study found significant variation in hospital admissions for ER patients with common non-life-threatening conditions, resulting in estimated annual costs of $5 billion and $266 billion. The study analyzed data from 961 hospitals and 28.5 million emergency visits, revealing that some conditions had high rate...
Residency training predicts physicians' ability to practice conservatively
A new study found that residency training in locations with less intensive practice patterns is associated with better clinical decision-making. Physicians trained in these environments consistently scored higher on a management exam subscale, indicating their ability to make conservative decisions without sacrificing patient outcomes.
Experts defend operational earthquake forecasting, counter critiques
Experts argue that OEF is essential for reducing earthquake risk by providing authoritative information to policymakers and the public. Key findings include the potential for significant changes in earthquake probabilities over time, influenced by local seismic activity.
Gamblers are greedy bird-brains, University of Warwick research finds
Research found that human gamblers and pigeons are 35% more likely to take risks for high-value rewards due to past experiences. The study suggests a shared psychology driving risk-taking behavior across species.
Delivery by drone
MIT researchers have created an algorithm that enables a drone to monitor its health in real-time, allowing it to take proactive measures during delivery missions. The approach simplifies planning by separating vehicle-level and mission-level tasks, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries.
ADHD children make poor decisions due to less differentiated learning processes
Researchers found that ADHD children use less differentiated learning patterns, leading to suboptimal decisions. The study used mathematical models and multimodal imaging to examine brain activity in participants with and without ADHD.
UTSA research sheds light on factors affecting veteran hiring
Researchers at UTSA have identified key factors limiting veterans' ability to secure jobs and offer strategies for organizations and veterans to enhance their access. The study highlights the importance of addressing stereotypes, educating decision-makers about military skills transfer, and creating a culture that values hiring veterans.
How we form habits and change existing ones
Habits emerge through associative learning, involving automatic behaviors in stable contexts. Changing habits requires derailing existing habits, repetition, and stable context cues.
Equation to predict happiness
Researchers at UCL developed an equation to predict happiness based on recent rewards, expectations, and neural activity. The study involved 18,420 participants and found that moment-to-moment happiness reflects not just how well things are going but whether they're better than expected.
Declining intelligence in old age linked to visual processing
A study found that declines in visual perception speed are strongly related to declines in intelligence in old age. The researchers tested 600 healthy older people on a simple task of visual perception and found that the brain's ability to make correct decisions based on brief visual impressions limits complex mental functions.
Medical consultations for surgical patients examined amid payment changes
A study found significant variation in hospital use of medical consultations for surgical patients, with greater differences among those without complications. Hospitals that are non-teaching or for-profit have a higher rate of medical consultation use, while larger hospitals have more consultations for THR patients.
In high-stakes soccer, goalkeepers exhibit 'gambler's fallacy'
An analysis of 361 kicks from World Cup and UEFA Euro Cup matches reveals goalkeepers become increasingly likely to dive in the opposite direction after kickers repeatedly kick in one direction. This cognitive fallacy highlights the importance of monitoring sequential behavior in real-world competition.
Löckenhoff earns GSA's 2014 Baltes Foundation Award
Corinna E. Löckenhoff, PhD, of Cornell University, has been recognized by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) with the 2014 Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology. Her groundbreaking research focuses on age differences in socioemotional functioning and their implications for health-related decision making.
'Big picture' thinking doesn't always lead people to indulge less, study says
Research from University of Illinois expert Ravi Mehta found that people are self-controlled in everyday behavior, but indulge when thinking long-term. Abstract thinking can lead to feelings of missing out, regret, and corrective overindulgence, contradicting common consumer psychology literature.
CEOs who motivate with 'fightin' words' shoot themselves in the foot
A BYU business study found that using violent language by CEOs can lead to unethical behavior among rival employees, but not when the CEO uses such language with their own team. The research highlights the impact of leadership rhetoric on employee ethics and encourages CEOs to reconsider their communication strategies.
Parents want info about circumcision, not directives from health-care providers
A recent national poll found that most parents seek healthcare providers' guidance on circumcision but don't want a specific recommendation. Only 23% of respondents wanted their pediatrician to make a decision for them.
People in leadership positions may sacrifice privacy for security
Researchers found that people in high-status leadership positions tend to prioritize security over privacy. However, the study suggests that good practices and sensible rules on security can enhance security without negatively impacting privacy.
To accept or not accept -- Patients want a say in liver transplant decisions
A novel study reveals that more than half of liver transplant patients want to be informed of donor risk at the time a liver is offered, with nearly 80% wanting to be involved in decision-making. The study aims to standardize patient information and involvement in transplantation decisions.
The tortoise and the hare: A sex difference in marathon pacing
Men are more likely to slow their pace in the marathon, with a 15.6% average slowing in the second half compared to 11.7% for women, according to a Grand Valley State University study. Physiological factors, such as men's use of less fat and more carbohydrate during endurance exercise, may contribute to this sex difference.
Monkeys also believe in winning streaks, study shows
Researchers found that monkeys consistently show the hot-hand bias, even when faced with random rewards, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for foraging in the wild. The study's findings could inform treatment for gambling addiction and provide insights for investors.
A vote for cooperation
A study by Harvard University researchers found that allowing people to vote on resource harvesting led to the preservation of these resources for future generations. The voting system used was based on the median of all votes cast, which encouraged altruistic decisions and cooperation across generations.
Study finds minimum payment warnings nudge credit card payments up AND down
A study by Boston College Marketing Professor Linda Salisbury found that minimum payment warnings had little impact on repayment decisions, but showing a three-year payoff time frame with accompanying lower interest costs led to both positive and negative effects. Some consumers were encouraged to pay more, while others were nudged tow...
Humans & monkeys of one mind when it comes to changing it
Researchers tracked neural activity to discover covert changes of mind in monkeys and humans, finding they're more frequent in uncertain conditions. The study offers new insights into decision-making processes and innovative ways to study this complex behavior.
Breast cancer diagnosis, mammography improved by considering patient risk: INFORMS paper
A new approach to mammogram interpretation takes into account a woman's health risk profile, reducing missed cancer diagnoses by 3.7% and false positives by 3.23%. The method uses statistical weighting based on profile risk to improve biopsy decisions.
E-cigarettes far less harmful than cigarettes, says researcher at INFORMS Conference
A recent study suggests that e-cigarettes are significantly less hazardous than traditional tobacco products, contrary to common perceptions. Meanwhile, research indicates that alcohol poses the greatest risk to public health, causing more harm than other recreational drugs.
New patient empowerment and educational initiatives unveiled at EULAR 2014
New patient empowerment initiatives unveiled at EULAR 2014 aim to reduce treatment costs, improve patient experience and increase patient involvement in treatment decisions. These initiatives include self-monitoring, online learning resources, patient decision aids and video guides.
The BMJ launches patient partnership strategy
The BMJ is implementing a patient partnership strategy to integrate patients' perspectives into its editorial processes, research, and healthcare advocacy. This initiative aims to advance shared decision-making, patient-centered care, and impact assessment of patient partnerships.
Does 'free will' stem from brain noise?
A recent study from the University of California, Davis suggests that random fluctuations in brain activity may contribute to our ability to make choices. The researchers found that patterns of brain activity before a decision can predict the outcome of the decision.
Women and health-care providers differ on what matters most about contraception
A study found that healthcare providers and women have different priorities when it comes to contraception. For women, safety and side effects are top concerns, while providers focus on method usage and effectiveness. The mismatch between these priorities underscores the need for shared decision-making processes.
With distance comes greater wisdom, research finds
A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...
Parliamentary means dissensus
Parliamentary means dissensus explores the confrontational nature of parliamentary politics, where opponents' views are thoroughly examined. The book offers new approaches to democratic theory by highlighting the singular political significance of parliaments.
Exploring a legal and ethical gray area for people with dementia
A group of experts examines whether people with advanced dementia have the right to use advance directives to stop receiving food and water by mouth, despite lacking decision-making capacity. Key findings include the potential benefits and harms of such directives, as well as proposed guidelines for implementation.
Creatures of habit: Disorders of compulsivity share common pattern and brain structure
A study from the University of Cambridge found that individuals with disorders of compulsivity share similar patterns of decision-making and brain structure. The researchers discovered lower grey matter volumes in brain regions involved in goal-tracking and rewards, leading to automatic habitual choices.
Making the right choices in changing circumstances: Cognitive flexibility in the brain
Research by Stan Floresco reveals the dynamic competition between brain regions to inform decisions. The frontal lobes temper impulses towards larger, uncertain rewards, while dopamine neurons provide short-term updates on recent outcomes.
Fruit flies show mark of intelligence in thinking before they act
In a study published in Science, researchers found that fruit flies accumulate information before making decisions, suggesting a level of intelligence. The study identified a key gene, FoxP, involved in this process, which may also be linked to human cognitive development and language abilities.
Parents 'need to be convinced' to let children walk to school
A study by the University of Strathclyde found that parents are the main decision-makers in how children travel to and from school. The research suggests that measures to increase walking to school should target parents of younger children as well as older kids.
The failure of the couples gym membership: A self-control paradox?
A new study reveals that couples' success in shared endeavors depends on individual levels of self-control. High self-control levels lead to better financial decisions and reduced conflict.
Study examines prophylactic double mastectomy following breast cancer diagnosis
A study of 2,290 women with breast cancer found that while many consider or undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) to prevent cancer in the other breast, most do not have a clinically significant risk. The procedure is often associated with genetic testing, family history, and higher education.
Shopping online: Why do too many photos confuse consumers?
A new study finds that too many product photos can lead to visual homogenization, reducing the ability to discern one product from another. Taking a mental break and returning to the shopping cart for a final decision may be an effective way to overcome this effect.
Imaging examines risky decision making on brains of methamphetamine users
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study methamphetamine users and non-users. Methamphetamine users displayed reduced sensitivity to risk in one brain region and increased sensitivity in another. These findings suggest circuit-level abnormalities contribute to impaired decision-making.
The Lancet: Biggest public health challenge at London 2012 Olympics was reassuring politicians and the media that there were no health threats
Researchers found that despite no major incidents, the biggest challenge was reassuring officials, media, and public about absent health threats. Enhanced surveillance systems are needed to detect and respond quickly, especially for large international events.
Engineers find way to lower risk of midair collisions for small aircraft
Researchers at NC State University created modified cockpit displays that significantly improved pilot response times in avoiding crashes. The new system highlighted planes with higher risk of collision, reducing errors and saving lives.
Achieving patient-centered care across the spectrum
Practitioners can use shared decision making and motivational interviewing to adapt approaches for different clinical situations.
Mobile users may not buy into instant gratification cues
Researchers found that mobile users tend to distrust sites with instant gratification messages, and are more willing to share sensitive information after viewing security alerts. This phenomenon suggests that users prioritize privacy over convenience in digital interactions.
Using a foreign language changes moral decisions
Research finds that people using a foreign language take a relatively utilitarian approach to moral dilemmas, making decisions based on assessments of what's best for the common good. This pattern holds even in emotionally difficult outcomes, such as sacrificing one life so others could live.
Patients report high satisfaction with pain treatment
A large-scale study found that patient satisfaction with postoperative pain treatment is linked to perceptions of improvement and the patient-caregiver relationship. Patients who feel involved in their care experience higher levels of satisfaction.