Decision Making in Sensorimotor Control
Author Information
Author(s): Arne J. Nagengast, Daniel A. Braun, Daniel M. Wolpert
Primary Institution: University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
Risk-sensitivity in sensorimotor control arises as a mean-variance trade-off in movement costs.
Conclusion
Most subjects were risk-sensitive in the task, indicating that they consider both the mean and variance of movement costs when making decisions.
Supporting Evidence
- Subjects exhibited risk-seeking behavior when variability was high.
- Indifference points were stable throughout the experiment.
- Most subjects were classified as risk-sensitive, with varying degrees of risk-seeking and risk-averse behavior.
Takeaway
When deciding how to move, people think about both how much effort it will take and how much that effort might change.
Methodology
Participants chose between a sure motor action with fixed effort and a risky motor action with variable effort, allowing researchers to determine their risk attitudes.
Potential Biases
Participants were naive to the purpose of the experiment, which may introduce bias in their decision-making.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific motor tasks used.
Participant Demographics
Fifteen right-handed subjects (8 male, 7 female, aged 20–30).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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