Lawson Lexie, Spivak Stephanie, Webber Heather, Yasin Saeed, Goncalves Briana, Tarrio Olivia, Ash Sydney, Ferrol Maria, Ibragimov Athenia, Olivares Alejandro Gili, Keenan Julian Paul
Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Montclair State University, 320 Science Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
Biology (Basel). 2023 Oct 25;12(11):1366. doi: 10.3390/biology12111366.
Understanding the intricate dynamics between conscious choice and neural processes is crucial for unraveling the complexity of human decision-making. This study investigates the effects of inhibitory Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on choice bias, shedding light on the malleability of cognitive-motor functions involved in decisions. While reaction times remained unaffected, inhibitory TMS to either the left or right motor cortex led to a significant bias in screen side preference during a choice task. These findings suggest that our cognitive-motor processes underlying decision-making can be unconsciously influenced by TMS. Furthermore, analysis of choice attribution categories revealed individual variability, emphasizing the complex nature of the decision-making process. These insights contribute to the ongoing exploration of the neural mechanisms governing human choice. As the neural basis of free will continues to captivate scientific inquiry, this research advances our understanding of the intricate relationship between neural circuits and conscious intention.
理解有意识选择与神经过程之间错综复杂的动态关系，对于揭示人类决策的复杂性至关重要。本研究调查了抑制性经颅磁刺激（TMS）对选择偏差的影响，从而揭示了决策过程中认知运动功能的可塑性。虽然反应时间未受影响，但对左侧或右侧运动皮层进行抑制性TMS会导致在选择任务中屏幕侧偏好出现显著偏差。这些发现表明，我们决策背后的认知运动过程可能会受到TMS的无意识影响。此外，对选择归因类别的分析揭示了个体差异，强调了决策过程的复杂性。这些见解有助于持续探索控制人类选择的神经机制。随着自由意志的神经基础继续吸引科学探究，这项研究推进了我们对神经回路与有意识意图之间复杂关系的理解。
