Shorter planning depth and higher response noise during sequential decision-making in old age

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Forward planning is crucial to maximize outcome in complex sequential decision-making scenarios. In this cross-sectional study, we were particularly interested in age-related differences of forward planning. We presumed that especially older individuals would show a shorter planning depth to keep the costs of model-based decision-making within limits. To test this hypothesis, we developed a sequential decision-making task to assess forward planning in younger (age < 40 years; n = 25) and older (age > 60 years; n = 27) adults. By using reinforcement learning modelling, we inferred planning depths from participants' choices. Our results showed significantly shorter planning depths and higher response noise for older adults. Age differences in planning depth were only partially explained by well-known cognitive covariates such as working memory and processing speed. Consistent with previous findings, this indicates age-related shifts away from model-based behaviour in older adults. In addition to a shorter planning depth, our findings suggest that older adults also apply a variety of heuristical low-cost strategies.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer7692
FachzeitschriftScientific reports
Jahrgang13
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 11 Mai 2023
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 37169942
ORCID /0000-0001-9684-7705/work/142252288
ORCID /0000-0001-8409-5390/work/142254938
ORCID /0000-0001-5398-5569/work/150329478

Schlagworte

Forschungsprofillinien der TU Dresden

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Schlagwörter

  • Humans, Aged, Adult, Middle Aged, Cross-Sectional Studies, Noise, Memory, Short-Term, Learning, Decision Making/physiology