Aaron Sampson, Ph.D.

• Assistant Research Scientist
• Mind Brain Institute
• Johns Hopkins University

Title: The Role of Attention in Multi Attribute Decision Making

Real-life decisions typically require consideration of multiple options with multiple attributes. In such complex cases, shifts of attention to specific options and attributes are thought to guide the decision process. To investigate the neuronal mechanisms underlying this process, we recorded pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA) activity in two macaques engaged in a multi-attribute decision-making task. Options in this task were defined by two attributes: amount of water reward and reward probability. Attributes were revealed only while fixated and monkeys indicated their choices via arm movement after freely inspecting the options. Neuronal activity was aligned to the information-gathering and option-selection stages and analyzed with generalized linear models and de-mixed principal components analysis. We found preSMA neurons encode action value signals that accumulate information about the options. During fixations, preSMA activity changes according to option value. These value signals gradually accumulate until the preSMA activity strongly indicates the choice. The value of both options was continuously represented, but attention exerts influence through two mechanisms. First, attention enhances the activity of neurons representing the currently fixated option, independent of value (an additive effect). Second, value is represented with a higher gain for currently fixated options (a multiplicative effect). In contrast, we found no evidence for a third suggested mechanism, in which only the attended option is represented. Instead, attention influences the ongoing parallel information accumulation and competition process by modulating the strength of the value information that drives this circuit.

Faculty Host: Dr. Ernst Niebur