When the Choice Is Intrinsically Rewarding: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Making Choices Within Social Contexts

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Abstract

Using fMRI technique, we aim to delineate the role of contexts and individual differences in underlying neural mechanisms of choice processes. fMRI data revealed that brain regions related to reward-based goal-directed behaviors such as nucleus accumbens, anterior striatum, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were activated when individuals have a chance to make their own autonomous-choices after receiving the expert’s advice. These brain activation patterns were positively correlated with individuals’ perceived competence level. In contrast, when individuals mandatorily followed experts’ advices, brain regions related with mentalizing processes were activated (i.e. temporo-parietal junction and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex), however, individuals with low competence showed increased activation of amygdala.

Authors

• Sun Kyung Lee, Korea University

• Sung-Il Kim, Korea University

• Mimi Bong, Korea University