Reward Recognition in NCLT Practice

Abstract

Decisions represent choices between two or more options. NCLT uses a sequential sampling model for multiattribute binary choice options, called multiattribute attention switching (MAAS) model as the basis of its understanding of reward valuation. When a person is confronted by making a choice between two or more stimuli, this model assumes a separate sampling process for each attribute of each of the available choices. Decisions are not isolated instances. Their effects compound, one upon the other. These compounded choices not only build upon each other; they act interdependently with other contextually relevant decisions resulting in a complex web of interconnected patterns of actions and emotional responses. These networks of decisions are developed to take us to various outcomes. These outcomes include patterns of behavior and patterns of emotional responses. These decision-making processes may reflect options between two solely independent neutral stimuli or reflect choices made between stimuli that have produced visceral responses to their appearance. Some decisions are practiced so much that they become automatic, we do them without having to think about them. This is a critical point. Decisions require cognitive effort and the goal of most human thinking is to preserve limited cognitive effort capacity for critical and novel situations.