Neural representations of confidence emerge from the process of decision formation during perceptual choices

Gherman, S. and Philiastides, M. G. (2015) Neural representations of confidence emerge from the process of decision formation during perceptual choices. NeuroImage, 106, pp. 134-143. (doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.11.036)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.11.036

Abstract

Choice confidence represents the degree of belief that one's actions are likely to be correct or rewarding and plays a critical role in optimizing our decisions. Despite progress in understanding the neurobiology of human perceptual decision-making, little is known about the representation of confidence. Importantly, it remains unclear whether confidence forms an integral part of the decision process itself or represents a purely post-decisional signal. To address this issue we employed a paradigm whereby on some trials, prior to indicating their decision, participants could opt-out of the task for a small but certain reward. This manipulation captured participants' confidence on individual trials and allowed us to discriminate between electroencephalographic signals associated with certain-vs.-uncertain trials. Discrimination increased gradually and peaked well before participants indicated their choice. These signals exhibited a temporal profile consistent with a process of evidence accumulation, culminating at time of peak discrimination. Moreover, trial-by-trial fluctuations in the accumulation rate of nominally identical stimuli were predictive of participants' likelihood to opt-out of the task, suggesting that confidence emerges from the decision process itself and is computed continuously as the process unfolds. Correspondingly, source reconstruction placed these signals in regions previously implicated in decision making, within the prefrontal and parietal cortices. Crucially, control analyses ensured that these results could not be explained by stimulus difficulty, lapses in attention or decision accuracy.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Philiastides, Professor Marios
Authors: Gherman, S., and Philiastides, M. G.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:NeuroImage
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1053-8119
ISSN (Online):1095-9572
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
643321Neural Correlates of decision confidence in the human brain.Marios PhiliastidesBritish Academy (BRIT-ACAD)SG121587INP - CENTRE FOR COGNITIVE NEUROIMAGING