The Neural Correlates of Route Choice

Behavioral studies have shown that people, when making traveling choices, often
choose sub optimal routes. They, for example, tend to develop strong behavioral
preferences that cause people to take the same way home every day, even when
traffic information provides for a better alternative. This behavior is a major
cause of congestion on the roads. This study investigates the neural correlates
of route choice and of the prevalence of route preferences, with the use of an
event-related fMRI experiment.

The main objective is to find the neural correlates of route choice with an
event-related fMRI experiment.

This study uses an experimental design. Participants will perform a
computerized choice task and their brain activation patterns will be measured
using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) while they are performing
the task.

Non applicable

There are no known risks associated with participating in an fMRI study. This
is a noninvasive technique involving no catheterizations or introduction of
exogenous tracers. Numerous children and adults have undergone magnetic
resonance studies without apparent harmful consequences. Some people become
claustrophobic while inside the magnet and in these cases the study will be
terminated immediately at the participant' requests.
The only absolute contraindications to MRI studies are the presence of
intracranial or intraocular metal, or a pacemaker. Relative contraindications
include pregnancy and claustrophobia. Participants who may be pregnant, who may
have metallic foreign bodies in the eyes or head, or who have cardiac
pacemakers will be excluded because of potential contraindications of MRI in
such subjects.
Although there is no direct benefit to the participants from this proposed
research, there are greater benefits to society from the potential knowledge
gained from this study. First, a mayor economic and social problem in the
Netherlands is the enormous amount of congestion on the roads. One of the ways
to deal with this problem is to get people to change their (habitual) route
choice behavior, by providing appropriate information to travelers. This study
is a first step in determining what information can be provided to travelers to
create safe and efficient transportation and limiting congestion. Second,
looking at the neural mechanisms of complex choice behavior can help to uncover
the link between emotional and informational cognitive processes, and can thus
be of benefit to theories concerning the nature of decision making and can
benefit the study of neurological patients with emotional or cognitive
dysfunctions.