Decision Making with the Iowa Gambling Task

Abstract

This paper analyses the decision making patterns with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the somatic marker hypothesis. The experimental task with IGT is presented, as well the fact that some subjects related to control groups in clinical studies with the task show disadvantageous decision similar to those found in clinical populations. However, these populations present a specific socio demographic feature, namely a very low income level. Considering this data, our hypothesis is that life experience set by low income is an important variable in the decision making process. The analysis of this variable is preformed considering the results obtained in a study where these patterns decisions where related with low income (Paixão, 2016). In this study subjects show a decision pattern marked by immediate reward, regardless the future costs of such decision. Finally, these patterns are discussed considering their relationship with life experiences of multiple privations.