Abstract
We investigated behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms by which risk-averse advice,provided by an expert, affected risky decisions across three developmental groups [earlyadolescents (12-14 years), late adolescents (15-17 years), adults (18+ years)]. Using cumulativeprospect theory, we modeled choice behavior during a risky-choice task. Results indicate thatadvice had a significantly greater impact on risky choice in both adolescent groups than in adults.Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the neural correlates of thisbehavioral effect. Developmental effects on correlations between brain activity and valuationparameters were obtained in regions that can be classified into (i) cognitive control regions, such asdorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventrolateral PFC; (ii) social cognition regions, such asposterior temporoparietal junction; and (iii) reward-related regions, such as ventromedial PFC(vmPFC) and ventral striatum. Within these regions, differential effects of advice on neuralcorrelates of valuation were observed across development. Specifically, advice increased thecorrelation strength between brain activity and parameters reflective of safe choice options inadolescent DLPFC and decreased correlation strength between activity and parameters reflective ofrisky choice options in adult vmPFC. Taken together, results indicate that, across development,distinct brain systems involved in cognitive control and valuation mediate the risk-reducing effectof advice during decision making under risk via specific enhancements and reductions of thecorrelation strength between brain activity and valuation parameters.
Engelmann, J B