yaniv_abir - Network

using RT data, individual differences and several controls, we think that by strategically approaching and avoiding uncertainty humans are...

using RT data, individual differences and several controls, we think that by strategically approaching and avoiding uncertainty humans are conserving memory and learning resources.

in other words-
they are optimizing for information retained, not information observed. 👏

we found that for the most part human choose to explore options they are more uncertain about - as expected.but when the choice is difficult...

we found that for the most part human choose to explore options they are more uncertain about - as expected.
but when the choice is difficult because participants are very uncertain about both options, they avoid uncertainty. instead they choose to explore better known options

we also looked at exploration as a function of difficulty. this task put a lot of strain on memory and inference. we reasoned participants...

we also looked at exploration as a function of difficulty. this task put a lot of strain on memory and inference. we reasoned participants might modulate their exploration to conserve resources when choice is very difficult

our participants explored an uncertain environment, learning about it incrementally.they were given no reward during exploration, so they...

our participants explored an uncertain environment, learning about it incrementally.
they were given no reward during exploration, so they were free to explore, not needing to exploit their knowledge

we compared participants choices to a hierarchy of strategies they might use to approach uncertainty when exploring - from optimal to very approximate

exploration is for reducing your uncertainty about the environment. a great way to do that is to explore things you are uncertain about....

exploration is for reducing your uncertainty about the environment. a great way to do that is to explore things you are uncertain about.
but humans often avoid uncertainty - shunning ambiguous prospects, not checking what's in the snack drawer when on a diet

How do these conflicting tendencies come to play when the goal is to explore?

🚨New preprint - Human exploration strategically balances approaching and avoiding uncertaintythat's right - humans sometimes avoid...

🚨New preprint - Human exploration strategically balances approaching and avoiding uncertainty

that's right - humans sometimes avoid uncertain parts of the environment when exploring

w/ @shadlen@twitter and
@DShohamy@twitter

https://psyarxiv.com/gtxam/