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Value-based attention but not divisive normalization influences decisions with multiple alternatives

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Gluth

    (University of Basel)

  • Nadja Kern

    (University of Basel)

  • Maria Kortmann

    (University of Basel)

  • Cécile L. Vitali

    (University of Basel)

Abstract

Violations of economic rationality principles in choices between three or more options are critical for understanding the neural and cognitive mechanisms of decision-making. A recent study reported that the relative choice accuracy between two options decreases as the value of a third (distractor) option increases and attributed this effect to divisive normalization of neural value representations. In two preregistered experiments, a direct replication and an eye-tracking experiment, we assessed the replicability of this effect and tested an alternative account that assumes value-based attention to mediate the distractor effect. Surprisingly, we could not replicate the distractor effect in our experiments. However, we found a dynamic influence of distractor value on fixations to distractors as predicted by the value-based attention theory. Computationally, we show that extending an established sequential sampling decision-making model by a value-based attention mechanism offers a comprehensive account of the interplay between value, attention, response times and decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Gluth & Nadja Kern & Maria Kortmann & Cécile L. Vitali, 2020. "Value-based attention but not divisive normalization influences decisions with multiple alternatives," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(6), pages 634-645, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:4:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1038_s41562-020-0822-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-0822-0
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    1. repec:jdm:journl:v:17:y:2022:i:6:p:1287-1312 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Frederick Callaway & Antonio Rangel & Thomas L Griffiths, 2021. "Fixation patterns in simple choice reflect optimal information sampling," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-29, March.
    3. Jan Engelmann & Alejandro Hirmas & Joël van der Weele, 2021. "Top Down or Bottom Up? Disentangling the Channels of Attention in Risky Choice," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 21-031/I, Tinbergen Institute.
    4. Xiaozhi Yang & Ian Krajbich, 2021. "Webcam-based online eye-tracking for behavioral research," Judgment and Decision Making, Society for Judgment and Decision Making, vol. 16(6), pages 1485-1505, November.
    5. Liz Izakson & Yoav Zeevi & Dino J Levy, 2020. "Attraction to similar options: The Gestalt law of proximity is related to the attraction effect," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-21, October.
    6. Heinke, Steve, 2024. "Top–down and bottom–up information acquisition: Application to financial markets," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
    7. Amasino, Dianna R. & Dolgin, Jack & Huettel, Scott A., 2023. "Eyes on the account size: Interactions between attention and budget in consumer choice," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    8. Glimcher, Paul W. & Tymula, Agnieszka A., 2023. "Expected subjective value theory (ESVT): A representation of decision under risk and certainty," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 110-128.
    9. Michel Wedel & Rik Pieters & Ralf Lans, 2023. "Modeling Eye Movements During Decision Making: A Review," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 88(2), pages 697-729, June.
    10. repec:cup:judgdm:v:17:y:2022:i:6:p:1287-1312 is not listed on IDEAS
    11. repec:cup:judgdm:v:16:y:2021:i:6:p:1485-1505 is not listed on IDEAS

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