Two decision-making pathways detected in human brain

AORN Journal, March, 2005

New research suggests that human decision-making is influenced by the interactions of two distinct systems in the brain, which often are at odds, according to an Oct 15, 2004, news release from the National Institutes of Health. The research was supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a part of the NIH.

A research team asked 14 participants to choose between receiving money at an earlier or later date. For instance, a participant might be asked to choose between receiving $27.10 today versus $31.25 a month from now; or $27.10 in two weeks versus $31.25 in six weeks. As the participants made their choices, their brains were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a tool that enables researchers to measure second-by-second brain function in thousands of specific brain regions.

When participants chose between incentives that included an immediate reward, fMRI scans indicated heightened activity in parts of the brain, such as the limbic system, that are associated with emotional decision making. Conversely, deliberative and analytic regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal and parietal cortex, were activated by all decisions, even those that did not involve an immediate reward. When participants resisted immediate rewards and chose delayed rewards, however, activity was particularly strong in these deliberative areas of the brain. Researchers contend that the findings could have an impact on the ability to influence health and economic decisions, such as those concerning diet, exercise, and saving money for retirement.

Scientists Detect Two Decision-Making Pathways in Human Brain (news release, Bethesda, Md: National Institutes of Health, Oct 15, 2004) http://www.nih.gov /news/pr/oct2004/nia-15.htm (accessed 29 Oct 2004).