The neural basis of the speed–accuracy tradeoff

In many situations, decision makers need to negotiate between the competing demands of response speed and response accuracy, a dilemma generally known as the speed–accuracy tradeoff (SAT). Despite the ubiquity of SAT, the question of how neural decision circuits implement SAT has received little att...

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Published inTrends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 10 - 16
Main Authors Bogacz, Rafal, Wagenmakers, Eric-Jan, Forstmann, Birte U, Nieuwenhuis, Sander
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2010
Elsevier
Elsevier Sequoia S.A
Subjects
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
Brain - physiology
Decision making
Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects. Models. Methods
Humans
Information processing
Models, Neurological
Neurology
Psychological tests
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Reaction Time - physiology
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
Accuracy
Neuron
Theory
Central nervous system
Attention
Discharge pattern
Electrophysiology
Review
Decision
Encephalon
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Summary:In many situations, decision makers need to negotiate between the competing demands of response speed and response accuracy, a dilemma generally known as the speed–accuracy tradeoff (SAT). Despite the ubiquity of SAT, the question of how neural decision circuits implement SAT has received little attention up until a year ago. We review recent studies that show SAT is modulated in association and pre-motor areas rather than in sensory or primary motor areas. Furthermore, the studies suggest that emphasis on response speed increases the baseline firing rate of cortical integrator neurons. We also review current theories on how and where in the brain the SAT is controlled, and we end by proposing research directions that could distinguish between these theories.
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ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2009.09.002