Prediction of risk-taking by using cognitive task in the framework of signal detection theory

Background and Aim : The purpose of this study was to predict the risk-taking of individuals, by using Go-Nogo cognitive task in the framework of signal detection theory (SDT). SDT is based on the fact that when one person perceive sensory experience, must also make a perceptual decision by answering yes or no . SDT is generally used to measure perception, memory, and performance of specific tasks, and is used as a tool in separating the subject s behavior into two parts: sensitivity and response bias. This study applied the Go-Nogo task to predict the risk-taking, by using sensitivity and response bias of SDT.Methods : For this purpose, 149 participants took part in the study. They performed the BART task, Barratt scale and two types of Go-Nogo task (simple and cued), Separately.Results : : The results were compared and analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and discriminant analysis, and was shown that impulsivity (as one of the factors influencing risk-taking) was inversely correlated with the sensitivity index of the Go-Nogo task.Conclusion : These results means that the high degree of impulsivity and accordingly risk-taking is related to sensitivity index. Also, the not cued Go-Nogo task, can identify high risk people from low risk one. But the cued Go/Nogo task is not able to identify the two groups from each other.

Keywords:

Go-Nogo task , Sensitivity , Response Bias , Signal Detection Theory , SDT , Risk-Taking