Psychology
Surprising sounds influence risky decision making
G. W. Feng and R. B. Rutledge
Across seven experiments (total n = 1600), Gloria W. Feng and Robb B. Rutledge show that rare auditory sequences preceding choices systematically increase risk taking and reduce choice perseveration. These dissociable effects—explained by value-independent risky and perseveration biases linked to dopamine and not by decision noise—are eliminated when tones are predictable, suggesting incidental sounds may influence everyday decisions.
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