The interpretation of behavior-model correlations in unidentified cognitive models

The rise of computational modeling in the past decade has led to a substantial increase in the number of papers that report parameter estimates of computational cognitive models. A common application of computational cognitive models is to quantify individual differences in behavior by estimating how these are expressed in differences in parameters. For these inferences to hold, models need to be identified, meaning that one set of parameters is most likely, given the behavior under consideration. For many models, model identification can be achieved up to a scaling constraint, which means that under the assumption that one parameter has a specific value, all remaining parameters are identified. In the current note, we argue that this scaling constraint implies a strong assumption about the cognitive process that the model is intended to explain, and warn against an overinterpretation of the associative relations found in this way. We will illustrate these points using signal detection theory, reinforcement learning models, and the linear ballistic accumulator model, and provide suggestions for a clearer interpretation of modeling results

Caution in decision-making under time pressure is mediated by timing ability

The time available to inform decisions is often limited, for example because of a response deadline. In such circumstances, accurate knowledge of the amount of time available for a decision is crucial for optimal choice behavior. However, the relation between temporal cognition and decision-making under time pressure is poorly understood. Here, we test how the precision of the internal representation of time affects choice behavior when decision time is limited by a deadline. We show that participants with a precise internal representation of time respond more cautiously in decision-making. Furthermore, we provide an empirical test of theoretical accounts of decision-making that argue that it is optimal to commit to a decision based on increasingly less evidence as the deadline approaches (so-called ‘collapsing decision bounds’). These theories entail that the speed of collapse of the decision bound should depend on the precision of the internal representation of the deadline. However, although we find evidence that participants collapse decision bounds, we found no relation between the amount of collapse and the internal representation of time

Caution in decision-making under time pressure is mediated by timing ability

The time available to inform decisions is often limited, for example because of a response deadline. In such circumstances, accurate knowledge of the amount of time available for a decision is crucial for optimal choice behavior. However, the relation between temporal cognition and decision-making under time pressure is poorly understood. Here, we test how the precision of the internal representation of time affects choice behavior when decision time is limited by a deadline. We show that participants with a precise internal representation of time respond more cautiously in decision-making. Furthermore, we provide an empirical test of theoretical accounts of decision-making that argue that it is optimal to commit to a decision based on increasingly less evidence as the deadline approaches (so-called ‘collapsing decision bounds’). These theories entail that the speed of collapse of the decision bound should depend on the precision of the internal representation of the deadline. However, although we find evidence that participants collapse decision bounds, we found no relation between the amount of collapse and the internal representation of time

The interpretation of behavior-model correlations in unidentified cognitive models

The rise of computational modeling in the past decade has led to a substantial increase in the number of papers that report parameter estimates of computational cognitive models. A common application of computational cognitive models is to quantify individual differences in behavior by estimating how these are expressed in differences in parameters. For these inferences to hold, models need to be identified, meaning that one set of parameters is most likely, given the behavior under consideration. For many models, model identification can be achieved up to a scaling constraint, which means that under the assumption that one parameter has a specific value, all remaining parameters are identified. In the current note, we argue that this scaling constraint implies a strong assumption about the cognitive process that the model is intended to explain, and warn against an overinterpretation of the associative relations found in this way. We will illustrate these points using signal detection theory, reinforcement learning models, and the linear ballistic accumulator model, and provide suggestions for a clearer interpretation of modeling results

Core body temperature speeds up temporal processing and choice behavior under deadlines

Evidence suggests that human timing ability is compromised by heat. In particular, some studies suggest that increasing body temperature speeds up an internal clock, resulting in faster time perception. However, the consequences of this speed-up for other cognitive processes remain unknown. In the current study, we rigorously tested the speed-up hypothesis by inducing passive hyperthermia through immersion of participants in warm water. In addition, we tested how a change in time perception affects performance in decision making under deadline stress. We found that participants underestimate a prelearned temporal interval when body temperature increases, and that their performance in a two-alternative forced-choice task displays signatures of increased time pressure. These results show not only that timing plays an important role in decision-making, but also that this relationship is mediated by temperature. The consequences for decision-making in job environments that are demanding due to changes in body temperature may be considerable

Core body temperature speeds up temporal processing and choice behavior under deadlines

Evidence suggests that human timing ability is compromised by heat. In particular, some studies suggest that increasing body temperature speeds up an internal clock, resulting in faster time perception. However, the consequences of this speed-up for other cognitive processes remain unknown. In the current study, we rigorously tested the speed-up hypothesis by inducing passive hyperthermia through immersion of participants in warm water. In addition, we tested how a change in time perception affects performance in decision making under deadline stress. We found that participants underestimate a prelearned temporal interval when body temperature increases, and that their performance in a two-alternative forced-choice task displays signatures of increased time pressure. these results show not only that timing plays an important role in decision-making, but also that this relationship is mediated by temperature. the consequences for decision-making in job environments that are demanding due to changes in body temperature may be considerable

Core body temperature speeds up temporal processing and choice behavior under deadlines

Evidence suggests that human timing ability is compromised by heat. In particular, some studies suggest that increasing body temperature speeds up an internal clock, resulting in faster time perception. However, the consequences of this speed-up for other cognitive processes remain unknown. In the current study, we rigorously tested the speed-up hypothesis by inducing passive hyperthermia through immersion of participants in warm water. In addition, we tested how a change in time perception affects performance in decision making under deadline stress. We found that participants underestimate a prelearned temporal interval when body temperature increases, and that their performance in a two-alternative forced-choice task displays signatures of increased time pressure. These results show not only that timing plays an important role in decision-making, but also that this relationship is mediated by temperature. The consequences for decision-making in job environments that are demanding due to changes in body temperature may be considerable