Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

Left (Mollie Johnson), Right (Dr. Kameko Halfmann)

In April 2022, I was able to present the research Dr. Kameko Halfmann and I had completed at the Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day (PCARD) at the University of Wisconsin- Platteville. The study was focused on decision making trends and the impact mortality cues had on them. We specifically considered mortality cues related to COVID-19. Overall, we f0und no relationship between uncertainty and decision making regarding COVID-19 mortality cues.

Background

Our study was based on life history theory. This theory considers experiences in childhood to influence the decision-making strategies in later adulthood. This this due to reinforcement learning. A child with more uncertainty and adverse experiences will develop a faster life strategy (taking immediate opportunities, not investing in longer term strategies) in adulthood. Inversely, a childhood that has more predictability and less adverse experience will relate to a slower strategy (making longer-term investments) in adulthood. These decision patterns are especially likely to be expressed in uncertain or stressful situations (Mittal 2014, Griskevicius 2011)

Hypotheses

Methods

Results

Discussion & Future Directions

References