Mclure et al Dual System Theory

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Use a delay discounting experiment to examine the neural correlates of short term and long term preference for monetary awards

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

Unknown

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

Participants made choices between smaller/earlier or larger/later sums of money

• Brains were scanned using a functional magnetic resonance imaging
• Sum=range 5-40 dollars
• Time=immediately-6 weeks

Question 4

Results (Limbic System)

Answer 4

Limbic system (hippocampus, hypothalamus, etc.) involved with emotion= Symbolizes System 1 thinking 
-More activated by decisions involving immediately available rewards

Question 5

Results (prefrontal cortex area)

Answer 5

• Structures associated with supporting higher cognitive functions (System 2)
• prefrontal cortex area was more activated by longer-term options

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

Human behavior is characterized by competition between impulsive thinking and abstract reasoning and future planning

Question 7

Strengths

Answer 7

• Distinguishes how emotions affect decision making

- dual system validity=clear activation of two areas

Question 8

Limitations

Answer 8

• Individual participant differences are obscure by the results=different individuals have a variety of reasons for choices
• Does not display relationship between two systems
• Us base study needs cross cultural replication for wider generalization