Address for correspondence: Verena Vorhold, Cognitive Neurology Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Biophysics (INB-3), Research Centre Juelich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Str. 5, 52425 Juelich, Germany; Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074 Aachen, Germany. Voice: +49-(0)2461-61-5820; fax: +49-(0)2461-61-1518. v.vorhold{at}fz-juelich.de
This chapter provides an overview of studies in the field of
neuroscience that investigate some of the processes and concepts
of risk perception, risky choice, and decision making under
risk. First, early studies in the field of neuroscience addressing
the diminished decision-making abilities in lesion patients
are presented. A classical task in this research field is described
along with its neural implications. After this, the underlying
model, its hypotheses, and neuronal implications are discussed.
Different aspects within risky decision making, such as the
influence of memory, inhibition, motivation, and personality,
on risky choice and the respective underlying neuronal substrate
are described. After this, studies of risky decision making
in healthy subjects are reviewed. A selection of studies shows
that theories focusing on cognitive aspects only have to be
enriched in order to allow for additional aspects within risky
decision making (e.g., emotion). Next, the classical economic
approaches and the development of theories incorporating further
aspects within economical decision making and the underlying
neuronal substrate will be presented. Finally, research in the
field of neuroeconomics, focusing on the role of social decision
making and evaluative judgment within risky decision making,
is reviewed.
