We expect to find links between the preference for simple vs. complex choice strategies and the activity of LC, evident in pupil size and fMRI signal. The study aims to provide novel evidence that 1) pupil dilation to decision cues is linked to…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
standard MRI research without direct medical applications
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Brain activation as measured by fMRI, particularly the difference between
participants prefer-ring a complex vs. simple decision strategy. Prestimulus
pupil size, and pupil size changes to task stimuli, particularly the
differences in these measures between participants preferring a complex vs.
simple decision strategy.
Secondary outcome
n/a
Background summary
Research shows that for many of decision problems, people often use simple
decision heuris-tics in order to overcome limitations in time, knowledge and
cognitive abilities Previously, we showed that decision strategy preference is
associated with electrodermal and EEG measures of arousal, which is governed
primarily by brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). It is thus viable to link
the use of decision strategies in multi-attribute choice with LC activity.
Study objective
We expect to find links between the preference for simple vs. complex choice
strategies and the activity of LC, evident in pupil size and fMRI signal. The
study aims to provide novel evidence that 1) pupil dilation to decision cues is
linked to strategy preference, 2) the LC nor-adrenergic system is involved in
strategy preference, 3) the strategy preference and its relation to the neural
indices is stable over time.
Study design
We will look for the association between strategy use and arousal-related brain
activity in the context of both 1) stable individual differences and 2)
situational manipulation of arousal. Therefore, the study will have two
separate sessions, focused on these two aspects. Session 1 will employ a
within-subject manipulation of decision task structure (compensatory vs.
non-compensatory structure, see full description of the project). Based on the
preference for either the complex or simple decision strategies, participants
will be divided into two groups * these groups will be compared on relevant
fMRI measures. Session 2 will be aimed at 1) providing data on stability of the
strategy preference and 2) providing data on strategy use under condi-tions of
arousal heightened by the presentation of arousing affective stimuli. This part
of the study will employ a 2x3 within-subject design, with the task structure
manipulated again at 2 levels (compensatory vs. noncompensatory structure) and
emotional arousal manipulated at 3 levels (high negative, neutral and high
positive). Also, based on the preference for either the complex or simple
decision strategies, participants will be divided into two groups * these
groups will be compared on relevant fMRI measures.
Study burden and risks
n/a
Wassenaarseweg 52
Leiden 2333AK
NL
Wassenaarseweg 52
Leiden 2333AK
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Healthy young adults (18-30 years old) with normal vision.
Exclusion criteria
Significant history of head trauma, premature birth, learning disabilities,
neurological or psychiatric illness. Heart arrhythmia, glaucoma, congenital eye
diseases, hyperopia, myopia, hypertension and use of anti-depressants or
psychotropic medication and possible pregnancy (in adult females). MRI
contra-indications, including metal implants and claustrophobia. Smoking more
than five cigarettes a day * to avoid nicotine withdrawal effects during the
study. Alcohol consumption < 24 hours before study, caffeine consumption < 3
hours before study. These criteria will be assessed by a self-report
questionnaire administered during pre-screening.
Design
Recruitment
metc-ldd@lumc.nl
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
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Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
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In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL68401.058.19 |