This course aims at developing knowledge and understanding in selected key areas of Neuroeconomics (i.e., Decision Neuroscience): a) comprehension of theoretical models and interpretation of experimental data with reference to the cognitive processes and neural mechanisms underlying different facets of decision-making. b) understanding of the methods and experimental techniques employed within the field of Cognitive Neuroscience. Moreover, the course aims to stimulate the ability to apply this knowledge and understanding effectively, by advancing students’ ability to: a) perform and evaluate experimental applications in the neuroscience of decision-making, b) apply critical thinking, analytical, and synthesis skills in the area of cognitive psychology and neuroscience of decision-making.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of cognitive neuropsychology is recommended but not required.
Metodi didattici
The course is based both on lectures and on a critical discussion and synthesis, by students, of scientific articles addressing crucial issues for decision neuroscience.
Verifica Apprendimento
Written exam with multiple choice questions. The exam will cover the material and topics explained and discussed during the lectures.
Testi
Glimcher, P. W. & Fehr, E. 2013. Neuroeconomics: Decision Making and the Brain, 2nd Edition; Academic Press. If requested, additional scientific papers will be provided for in-depth analyses. The slides will be made available after each lecture.
Contenuti
- Cognitive neuroscience: aims and research techniques - At the origin of neuroeconomics: the orbitofrontal cortex and the Somatic marker hypothesis - The microeconomic foundations of decision theory: expected value and expected utility - Psychology of judgment and decision-making: Prospect theory - Neurophysiology of learning and motivation: processing of rewards, punishments and prediction errors in the meso-cortico-limbic dopaminergic pathway - Anomalies and biases in probabilistic judgment and decision-making - The neural bases of executive functioning and cognitive control - The neural bases of anomalies and biases in decision-making: drives, preferences and cognitive control.
