Canonical models of rational choice fail to account for many forms of motivated adaptive behaviors, specifically in domains
such as food selections. To describe behavior in such emotion- and reward-laden scenarios, researchers have proposed dual-process
models that posit competition between a slower, analytic faculty and a fast, impulsive, emotional faculty. In this paper,
we examine the assumptions and limitations of these approaches to modeling motivated choice. We argue that models of this
form, though intuitively attractive, are biologically implausible. We describe an approach to motivated choice based on sequential
sampling process models that can form a solid theoretical bridge between what is known about brain function and environmental
influences upon choice. We further suggest that the complex and dynamic relationships between biology, behavior, and environment
affecting choice at the individual level must inform aggregate models of consumer choice. Models using agent-based complex
systems may further provide a principled way to relate individual and aggregate consumer choices to the aggregate choices
made by businesses and social institutions. We coin the term “brain-to-society systems” choice model for this broad integrative
approach.
Keywords Choice models - Dual-process models - Agent systems - Sequential sampling process models - Motivated adaptive behavior - Neuroscience - Neuroeconomics
Authors include participants to the Brain-to-Society Systems of choice session at the Choice Symposium and members of the
research team.
Contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the National Institutes of Health.
An erratum to this article can be found at
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11002-008-9067-9