Models of affective decision-making: how do feelings predict choice?

Charpentier, Caroline J., Neve, Jan-Emmanuel De, Roiser, Jonathan P. and Sharot, Tali (2016) Models of affective decision-making: how do feelings predict choice? CEP Discussion Paper (1408). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

Preview

PDF - Published Version Download (571kB) | Preview

• Publisher

Abstract

Intuitively, how we feel about potential outcomes will determine our decisions. Indeed, one of the most influential theories in psychology, Prospect Theory, implicitly assumes that feelings govern choice. Surprisingly, however, we know very little about the rules by which feelings are transformed into decisions. Here, we characterize a computational model that uses feelings to predict choice. We reveal that this model predicts choice better than existing value-based models, showing a unique contribution of feelings to decisions, over and above value. Similar to Prospect Theory value function, feelings showed diminished sensitivity to outcomes as value increased. However, loss aversion in choice was explained by an asymmetry in how feelings about losses and gains were weighed when making a decision, not by an asymmetry in the feelings themselves. The results provide new insights into how feelings are utilized to reach a decision.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk/
Additional Information:	© 2016 The Authors
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management
Date Deposited:	09 May 2016 14:26
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2024 02:00
Projects:	R01AG040640
Funders:	National Institute on Aging, Economic and Social Research Council
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/66420

Actions (login required)

View Item