Biology subjects

Levy, D. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Levy, D. J..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

Visual features contribute differently to preferences for different item categories

Low-level visual features have been known to play a role in value-based decision-making. However, thus far, mainly single features were tested on one type of item using one method of measurement. Here, we test the contribution of low-level visual features on three items types: fractal-art images, faces, and snack food items. We test the role of visual features on preferences using both subjective ratings and choices. We show that low-level visual features contribute to value-based decision-making even after controlling for higher level configural features of faces like eye-distance and market features of snacks like calories. Importantly, we show that while low-level visual features consistently contribute to value-based decision-making, different features contribute to different types of items when using different measurement methods. Our study highlights the necessity of using multiple item types and multiple measurement methods to construct a unifying framework regarding the contribution of low-level features to value-based decision-making.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

More is Better: Using Machine Learning Techniques and Multiple EEG Metrics to Increase Preference Prediction Above and Beyond Traditional Measurements

A basic aim of marketing research is to predict consumers preferences and the success of marketing campaigns in the general population. However, traditional behavioral measurements have various limitations, calling for novel measurements to improve predictive power. In this study, we use neural signals measured with electroencephalography (EEG) in order to overcome these limitations. We record the EEG signals of subjects, as they watched commercials of six food products. We introduce a novel approach in which instead of using one type of EEG measure, we combine several measures, and use state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to predict subjects individual future preferences over the products and the commercials population success, as measured by their YouTube metrics. As a benchmark, we acquired measurements of the commercials effectiveness using a standard questionnaire commonly used in marketing research. We reached 68.5% accuracy in predicting between the most and least preferred items and a lower than chance RMSE score for predicting the rank order preferences of all six products. We also predicted the commercials population success better than chance. Most importantly, we demonstrate for the first time, that for all of our predictions, the EEG measurements increased the prediction power of the questionnaires. Our analyses methods and results show great promise for utilizing EEG measures by managers, marketing practitioners, and researchers, as a valuable tool for predicting subjects preferences and marketing campaigns success.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Asymmetric Overlap in Neuronal Sensation Constraints Rational Choice in C. elegans

Rational choice theory assumes optimality in decision-making. Violations of a basic axiom of economic rationality known as \"Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives\" (IIA), have been demonstrated in both humans and animals, and could stem from common neuronal constraints. We developed tests for IIA in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an animal with only 302 neurons, using olfactory chemotaxis assays. We found that in most cases C. elegans make rational decisions. However, by probing multiple neuronal architectures using various choice sets, we show that asymmetric sensation of odor options by the AWCON neuron can lead to violations of rationality. We further show that genetic manipulations of the asymmetry between the AWC neurons can make the worm rational or irrational. Last, a normalization-based model of value coding and gain control explains how particular neuronal constraints on information coding give rise to irrationality. Thus, we demonstrate that bounded rationality could arise due to basic neuronal constraints.

neuroscience↗