Center for Behavioral Decision Research

CBDR : Seminar Series : Seminar by Jennifer Beer

Neural distinctions between emotional and motivated decision making

	presented by Jennifer Beer (University of Texas at Austin)


	Thursday, March 6	link to paper
	Noon-1:15
	Porter 223D	link to Speaker's Site

	Abstract:

	Emotion has recently been characterized as a useful factor in self-regulation. For example, emotion may adaptively influence decision-making by activating goal-directed cognitive appraisals which ensure appropriate choices. If emotion affects decision-making most proximally by engaging motivated cognition, then what, if anything, is unique about emotion-driven decision-making? We tested this question by examining whether common or distinct neural systems govern emotionally-influenced decision-making and motivated decision- making (i.e., choices influenced by non-emotional cues that are associated with goal-directed appraisals). In a series of fMRI studies, we found that distinct neural networks support emotional and motivated decision-making whereas a common system controls the influence of both kinds of information on decision-making. These findings suggest that emotion and motivation information are treated somewhat independently at the neural level. Furthermore, the "emotion-driven" decision-making system may reflect instances when arousal and valence (rather than motivation) affect choice.

	Host at CMU: Moore