This study investigates the impact of task-irrelevant sensory prediction errors on risky decision-making. Across seven experiments (n=1600), rare auditory sequences preceding option presentation consistently increased risk-taking and decreased choice perseverance. Computational modeling indicates that these effects are not due to increased decision noise but are explained by value-independent risky bias and perseverance parameters, linked to dopamine. Control experiments show that these effects disappear with balanced or predictable auditory sequences. The findings suggest incidental sounds significantly influence daily decisions.

Gloria W. Feng, Robb B Rutledge