Journal Article

PreJuSER-22405

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Dissociated Neural Processing for Decisions in Managers and Non-Managers

Caspers, S.FZJ* ; Heim, S.FZJ* ; Lucas, M. G. ; Stephan, E. ; Fischer, L. ; Amunts, K.FZJ* ; Zilles, K.FZJ*

2012
PLoS Lawrence, Kan.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/7545  doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043537

Abstract: Functional neuroimaging studies of decision-making so far mainly focused on decisions under uncertainty or negotiation with other persons. Dual process theory assumes that, in such situations, decision making relies on either a rapid intuitive, automated or a slower rational processing system. However, it still remains elusive how personality factors or professional requirements might modulate the decision process and the underlying neural mechanisms. Since decision making is a key task of managers, we hypothesized that managers, facing higher pressure for frequent and rapid decisions than non-managers, prefer the heuristic, automated decision strategy in contrast to non-managers. Such different strategies may, in turn, rely on different neural systems. We tested managers and non-managers in a functional magnetic resonance imaging study using a forced-choice paradigm on word-pairs. Managers showed subcortical activation in the head of the caudate nucleus, and reduced hemodynamic response within the cortex. In contrast, non-managers revealed the opposite pattern. With the head of the caudate nucleus being an initiating component for process automation, these results supported the initial hypothesis, hinting at automation during decisions in managers. More generally, the findings reveal how different professional requirements might modulate cognitive decision processing.

Keyword(s): J

Note: This work was supported by the Initiative and Networking Fund of the Helmholtz Association within the Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology (Human Brain Model, K.Z.), the Helmholtz Alliance for Mental Health in an Aging Society (K.Z., K. A.), and a grant of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (No. 01GW0613; K. A.). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturelle und funktionelle Organisation des Gehirns (INM-1)
2. Molekulare Organisation des Gehirns (INM-2)

Research Program(s):

1. Funktion und Dysfunktion des Nervensystems (FUEK409) (FUEK409)
2. 89571 - Connectivity and Activity (POF2-89571) (POF2-89571)

Appears in the scientific report 2012

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection ; Zoological Record

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