Research (currently active lines of research)


PART-SET CUING IN OPTION GENERATION AND DECISION MAKING

In this project we investigated part-set cuing in the generation of decision options. In a series of experiments, we showed that part-set cuing (providing some options as hints to the decision maker) inhibits the generation of additional decision options. Moreover, part-set cuing can affect the final choice through its effect on option generation.

  • Del Missier, F., & Marcatto, F. (In preparation). Part-set cuing of options affects choice.
  • Del Missier, F., & Terpini, C. (2009). Part-set cuing in option generation. Memory & Cognition,37, 265-276.
  • Del Missier, F., Terpini, C., & Gerbino, W. (2007, November). Part-set cuing in option generation. Poster session, SJDM Meeting, Long Beach, CA.

A study on the neural correlates of part-list cuing has been carried out, providing insight into the brain processes underlying this memory phenomenon:

  • Crescentini, C., Shallice, T., Del Missier, F., Macaluso, E. (2010). Neural correlates of episodic retrieval: An fMRI study of the part-list cueing effect. Neuroimage, 50, 678–692.


EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN DECISION MAKING

Control processes play an important role in decision making. In two studies on individual differences, we investigated the relationships between executive functions (shifting, updating, and inhibition) and different aspects of decision making competence. The results showed that executive functions are selectively related to performance in some decision making tasks. This provided insight into the cognitive requirements of decision-making tasks and on the relationship between executive functioning and decision-making competence.

  • Del Missier, F., Mäntylä, T., & Bruine de Bruin, W. (in preparation). Executive functions and general cognitive abilities in decision-making competence.
  • Del Missier, F., Mäntylä, T., & Bruine de Bruin, W. (in press). Executive functions in decision making: An individual differences approach. Thinking & Reasoning.
  • Del Missier, F., Mäntylä, T., & Bruine de Bruin, W. (2009, August). Executive control and decision competence in young adults. Paper presented at the 22nd SPUDM conference, Rovereto, Italy.
  • Del Missier, F., & Mäntylä,T. (2008, November). Executive functions in decision making. Poster session, SJDM Meeting, Chicago, IL.



OTHER STUDIES ON ATTENTION AND MEMORY IN DECISION MAKING


DECISION-MAKING COMPETENCE IN AGING AND SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

  • Mäntylä, T., Still, J., Gullberg, S., & Del Missier, F. (2010). Decision making in adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Attention Disorders, in press .
  • Del Missier, F., Crescentini, C., Marin, D., Rumiati, R., & Biasutti, E. (In preparation). Decision-making competence in older adults and Parkinson’s Disease patients.


Fabio Del Missier thanks Consorzio Universitario di Pordenone for its support to research activities through the University of Trieste.