That Neuroscience Guy The That Neuroscience Guy Lecture Series - Part 1
Apr 28, 2025
Dr. Krigolson dives into the fascinating world of decision-making, sharing insights from his lecture at Indiana University. He illustrates the psychology behind our choices through a personal story from Venice. The podcast unpacks the concept of expected value, using relatable examples like food and gambling. Listeners learn how individual values shape decision-making, revealing that context plays a crucial role. As personal values evolve, the discussion encourages engagement in neuroscience initiatives, making the topic both relatable and relevant.
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Olaf's Life-changing Decision in Venice
- Olaf Kregolson chose Indiana University for grad school on a whim while at a train station in Venice, Italy.
- This unplanned decision led to his career in neuroscience and becoming a full professor.
Brain's Reward-Driven Decision Making
- We make decisions based on the brain encoding expected rewards, aiming to increase utility.
- Choosing actions that maximize utility enhances survival chances by seeking rewarding outcomes and avoiding negative ones.
Expected Value Guides Choices
- Expected value equals reward times probability and guides our choices.
- Choosing the option with the highest expected value yields the best decision outcome.