Single-trial dynamics explain magnitude sensitive decision making

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous research has reported or predicted, on the basis of theoretical and computational work, magnitude sensitive reaction times. Magnitude sensitivity can arise (1) as a function of single-trial dynamics and/or (2) as recent computational work has suggested, while single-trial dynamics may be magnitude insensitive, magnitude sensitivity could arise as a function of overall reward received which in turn affects the speed at which decision boundaries collapse, allowing faster responses as the overall reward received increases. RESULTS: Here, we review previous theoretical and empirical results and we present new evidence for magnitude sensitivity arising as a function of single-trial dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: The result of magnitude sensitive reaction times reported is not compatible with single-trial magnitude insensitive models, such as the statistically optimal drift diffusion model.