Over two decades of research using non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) resulted in insightful investigations of neural underpinnings of a range of cognitive processes. However, there is no clear picture of the effects of NIBS on higher cognitive functions such as judgment and decision-making (JDM). The current chapter summarises systematic reviews, meta-analyses and experiments that relate to JDM processes, such as working memory, inhibition processes, impulsivity, temporal discounting, judgment performance tests, choice tasks, and cognitive reflection. While people with cognitive impairments or behavioral addictions seem to benefit from NIBS interventions, for healthy participants there is still great variability regarding effects of tDCS on higher cognitive functions performance, partly owing to differences in methodology (montages, stimulation parameters, etc.), individual differences, and study designs. However, overall, there are clear indications for significant effects on JDM-related behavior after frontal (in particular dorsolateral) anodal stimulation in non-clinical participants. Future research will need to integrate developments in methodology and task design as well as assessing individual differences to better specify when and what exactly NIBS can contribute to establish causal links between brain function and higher cognitive processes.

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The Effect of Transcranial Direct Stimulation of the Brain on Judgment and Decision-Making

  • Volker Thoma

摘要

Over two decades of research using non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) resulted in insightful investigations of neural underpinnings of a range of cognitive processes. However, there is no clear picture of the effects of NIBS on higher cognitive functions such as judgment and decision-making (JDM). The current chapter summarises systematic reviews, meta-analyses and experiments that relate to JDM processes, such as working memory, inhibition processes, impulsivity, temporal discounting, judgment performance tests, choice tasks, and cognitive reflection. While people with cognitive impairments or behavioral addictions seem to benefit from NIBS interventions, for healthy participants there is still great variability regarding effects of tDCS on higher cognitive functions performance, partly owing to differences in methodology (montages, stimulation parameters, etc.), individual differences, and study designs. However, overall, there are clear indications for significant effects on JDM-related behavior after frontal (in particular dorsolateral) anodal stimulation in non-clinical participants. Future research will need to integrate developments in methodology and task design as well as assessing individual differences to better specify when and what exactly NIBS can contribute to establish causal links between brain function and higher cognitive processes.