The Neuroeconomics of Simple Goal-Directed Choice (Circa 2008)

Abstract

This paper reviews what is known about the computational and neurobiological basis of simple goal-directed choice. Two features define this type of choice. First, individuals make decisions between stimuli that are associated with different outcomes or rewards. Second, the brain solves the decision problem by (1) computing the distribution of outcomes associated with each stimulus, (2) assigning a value to each stimulus equal to the expected reward generated by those outcomes, and (3) selecting the stimulus with the highest computed value. A typical example of simple goal-directed choice is given by the problem of choosing a meal from a buffet table.