The Neuroscience Of Risky Decision Making

Whether the decision is to have unprotected sex, consent to surgery, have an extra piece of pie, or spend rather than save for retirement, risky decisions permeate our lives, and sometimes with disastrous consequences. How and why risk taking occurs has important implications. Yet many questions remain about how neurobiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influence decision-making. This book advances basic understanding and scientific theory about the brain mechanisms underlying risky decision by integrating findings from a number of disciplines, including development and cognitive psychology, brain sciences, law, behavioral economic, and addiction. The result is a rich scientific framework for understanding the causal mechanisms of risky decision making across the lifespan. Book jacket.