Similarity effect and optimal control of multiple-choice decision making

Neuron. 2008 Dec 26;60(6):1153-68. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.12.003.

Abstract

Decision making with several choice options is central to cognition. To elucidate the neural mechanisms of such decisions, we investigated a recurrent cortical circuit model in which fluctuating spiking neural dynamics underlie trial-by-trial stochastic decisions. The model encodes a continuous analog stimulus feature and is thus applicable to multiple-choice decisions. Importantly, the continuous network captures similarity between alternatives and possible overlaps in their neural representation. Model simulations accounted for behavioral as well as single-unit neurophysiological data from a recent monkey experiment and revealed testable predictions about the patterns of error rate as a function of the similarity between the correct and actual choices. We also found that the similarity and number of options affect speed and accuracy of responses. A mechanism is proposed for flexible control of speed-accuracy tradeoff, based on a simple top-down signal to the decision circuit that may vary nonmonotonically with the number of choice alternatives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Discrimination, Psychological / physiology*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists / pharmacology
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Motion Perception / physiology
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neurons / classification
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Synapses / drug effects
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
  • alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid