Event-related Potentials Corresponding to Decision-making Under Uncertain Conditions

Abstract

Background: Decision-making is essential to human functioning, and resolving uncertainty is an essential part of decision-making. Impaired decision-making is present in many pathological conditions, and identifying markers of decision-making under uncertainty will provide a measure of clinical impact in future studies of therapeutic intervention for impaired decision-making. Objective: To describe EEG event-related potentials (ERPs) correlating with decision-making under uncertain conditions when compared with certain conditions. Method: We used a novel card-matching task based on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to describe the neural correlates of uncertainty, as measured by EEG, in a group of 27 neurotypical individuals. We evaluated 500-ms intervals in the 2 seconds after card presentation to identify ERPs that are associated with maximal uncertainty compared with maximal certainty. Results: After correcting for multiple comparisons, we identified an ERP in the 500–1000-ms time frame (certain > uncertain, max amplitude 12.73 µV, latency 914 ms) in the left posterior inferior region of the scalp. We also found a P300-like ERP in the left frontal and parietal regions in the 0–500-ms time frame when the individuals received correct versus incorrect feedback (incorrect feedback > correct feedback, max amplitude 1.625 µV, latency 339 ms). Conclusion: We identified an ERP in the 500–1000-ms time frame (certain > uncertain) that may reflect the resolution of uncertainty, as well as a P300-like ERP when feedback is presented (incorrect feedback > correct feedback). These findings can be used in future studies to improve decision-making and resolve uncertainty on the described markers.