Decision-making behaviors: weighing ethology, complexity, and sensorimotor compatibility

Abstract

Rodent decision-making research aims to uncover the neural circuitry underlying the ability to evaluate alternatives and select appropriate actions. Designing behavioral paradigms that provide a solid foundation to ask questions about decision-making computations and mechanisms is a difficult and often underestimated challenge. Here, we propose three dimensions on which we can consider rodent decision-making tasks: ethological validity, task complexity, and stimulus-response compatibility. We review recent research through this lens, and provide practical guidance for researchers in the decision-making field.

Figure 1

A 3-dimensional conception of behavior. Each axis describes an important dimension to consider when designing and using a behavioral paradigm. Circles indicate examples of a tasks that vary along these axes.

Figure 2

Examples of common decision-making behaviors in the 3-dimensional space. Color indicates behavioral category. Turquoise: value-based decisions; Green: navigation and perceptual decision-making; Orange: prey capture and predator avoidance.