Critically evaluate to what extent the ‘somatic marker hypothesis’ explains how decisions are made in the face of an uncertain outcome
Critically evaluate to what extent the ‘somatic marker hypothesis’ explains how decisions are made in the face of an uncertain outcome
This essay will initially describe the nature of the Somatic Marker Hypothesis (SMH) regarding what it proposes. A vast amount of research has conducted into the SMH which leads to the central aim of the essay which will be to critically evaluate to what extent the hypothesis explains how decisions are made in situations of an uncertain outcome. This will be achieved via illustrating both supporting and contradictory evidence regarding the hypothesis and then finally arriving at a conclusion as to whether the SMH does explain how decisions are made in uncertain scenarios.
The Somatic Marker Hypothesis was proposed in order to enhance the understanding of processes regarding human reasoning and decision making. The hypothesis suggests that emotion based-biasing signals are generated in the body and are integrated in higher brain sectors, notably the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) controlling decision making during scenarios of complexity and an uncertain outcome (Damasio, A.R, Tranel, D, Damasio, H, 1991, Bechara et al., 2001).
In addition, the ‘marker signals’ have an influence on the processes in terms of how one responds to the stimuli at multiple levels of operation and indicates which is the appropriate option (Damasio, 1996; 1994). In addition, the signals are occur from the periphery in order to indicate one’s emotional response reaction (Dunn, Dalgleish & Lawrence, 2006). Some markers are overtly apparent as they are conscious in the mind, whereas others occur covertly and thus transpire non-consciously. For example, the un-deliberated inhibition of response which was learned initially is regarded as a covert action of the marker signals. A further example of covert action can be explained in terms of the introduction of a bias in the selection of an aversive mode of behaviour or in the deliberate
This essay will initially describe the nature of the Somatic Marker Hypothesis (SMH) regarding what it proposes. A vast amount of research has conducted into the SMH which leads to the central aim of the essay which will be to critically evaluate to what extent the hypothesis explains how decisions are made in situations of an uncertain outcome. This will be achieved via illustrating both supporting and contradictory evidence regarding the hypothesis and then finally arriving at a conclusion as to whether the SMH does explain how decisions are made in uncertain scenarios.
The Somatic Marker Hypothesis was proposed in order to enhance the understanding of processes regarding human reasoning and decision making. The hypothesis suggests that emotion based-biasing signals are generated in the body and are integrated in higher brain sectors, notably the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) controlling decision making during scenarios of complexity and an uncertain outcome (Damasio, A.R, Tranel, D, Damasio, H, 1991, Bechara et al., 2001).
In addition, the ‘marker signals’ have an influence on the processes in terms of how one responds to the stimuli at multiple levels of operation and indicates which is the appropriate option (Damasio, 1996; 1994). In addition, the signals are occur from the periphery in order to indicate one’s emotional response reaction (Dunn, Dalgleish & Lawrence, 2006). Some markers are overtly apparent as they are conscious in the mind, whereas others occur covertly and thus transpire non-consciously. For example, the un-deliberated inhibition of response which was learned initially is regarded as a covert action of the marker signals. A further example of covert action can be explained in terms of the introduction of a bias in the selection of an aversive mode of behaviour or in the deliberate