Mice Decision Making under Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Mona Leblond, David Fan, Julia K. Brynildsen, Henry H. Yin
Primary Institution: Duke University
Hypothesis
How do motivational state and reward content affect choice behavior under risk in mice?
Conclusion
Mice are risk-averse when deprived of food or water, but indifferent to risk when not deprived, and the addition of alcohol reduces risk aversion.
Supporting Evidence
- Mice were indifferent to risk when not deprived of food or water.
- Food or water deprivation increased risk aversion in mice.
- The addition of alcohol to sucrose reduced risk aversion in mice.
Takeaway
Mice have to choose between a sure small reward and a bigger uncertain one, and they tend to play it safe when they're hungry or thirsty.
Methodology
Mice were trained on a choice task with two levers, one providing a certain small reward and the other a probabilistic larger reward, under different motivational states.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in interpreting risk behavior due to the specific conditions of deprivation and reward identity.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on male C57BL/6 mice, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other species or sexes.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 male mice, approximately 3 months old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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