Controllability reveals defining features of information seeking

Abstract

SummaryIn uncertain environments, seeking information about alternative choice options is essential for adaptive learning and decision-making. However, information seeking is usually confounded with changes-of-mind about the reliability of the preferred option. Here, we exploited the fact that information seeking requires control over which option to sample to isolate its behavioral and neurophysiological signatures. We found that changes-of-mind occurring with control require more evidence against the current option, are associated with reduced confidence, but are nevertheless more likely to be confirmed on the next decision. Multimodal neurophysiological recordings showed that these changes-of-mind are preceded by stronger activation of the dorsal attention network in magnetoencephalography (MEG), and followed by increased pupil-linked arousal during the presentation of decision outcomes. Together, these findings indicate that information seeking increases the saliency of evidence perceived as the direct consequence of one’s own actions.HighlightsExploration-exploitation dilemmas confound information seeking with changes-of-mind.Unlike changes-of-mind, information seeking requires control over information sampling.Information seeking is associated with reduced confidence and active hypothesis testing.Stronger neurophysiological correlates of attention and arousal during information seeking.