Neuroeconomics

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2004 Nov 29;359(1451):1737-48. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2004.1544.

Abstract

This paper introduces an emerging transdisciplinary field known as neuroeconomics. Neuroeconomics uses neuroscientific measurement techniques to investigate how decisions are made. First, I present a basic overview of neuroanatomy and explain how brain activity is measured. I then survey findings from the neuroeconomics literature on acquiring rewards and avoiding losses, learning, choice under risk and ambiguity, delay of gratification, the role of emotions in decision-making, strategic decisions and social decisions. I conclude by identifying new directions that neuroeconomics is taking, including applications to public policy and law.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Economics
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology