Temporal Dynamics of Emotion: Biometric Insights into Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

Presenter Information

Kellie LindsayFollow

Presenter Type

UNO Graduate Student (Masters)

Major/Field of Study

Economics

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0004-0972-7377

Advisor Information

Economics Department Chair, Associate Professor of Economics

Location

CEC RM #128

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

22-3-2024 1:00 PM

End Date

22-3-2024 2:15 PM

Abstract

The interplay between emotion and decision-making under uncertainty is a pivotal aspect of economic behavior. This paper delves into the latency effect of affect, which refers to the temporal delay between experiencing an emotional response and the consequent decision-making process. I propose that this latency period is a critical, yet underexplored, determinant in the assessment and management of risk. To investigate this phenomenon, I conducted a series of behavioral experiments where subjects made economic decisions under varying levels of uncertainty after exposure to emotional stimuli.

Utilizing biometric data collection methods, including eye tracking, electrodermal activity (EDA), and facial expression analysis, I captured the immediacy and progression of the participants' emotional states and their influence on decision latency and outcomes. Eye tracking provided insights into attentional shifts, EDA offered a measure of arousal, and facial expression analysis gave an index of emotional valence.

The analysis revealed that shorter affective latencies corresponded with more conservative decisions, whereas longer latencies often preceded riskier choices. This pattern was consistent across different levels of uncertainty but was most pronounced when the uncertainty was highest. The biometric measures added a layer of depth to our understanding, showing that physiological changes coincided with shifts in decision-making strategies.

The study contributes to behavioral economics by highlighting the significance of the timing of emotional responses in economic decision-making. These findings may have practical implications for industries that rely on understanding consumer behavior, such as organizational behavior, finance, and marketing, suggesting that strategies to manage emotional responses could be pivotal in guiding decisions under uncertainty.

Additional Information (Optional)

I will need the capability to present a slide deck and would greatly benefit from having a podium, if possible.

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COinS
 
Mar 22nd, 1:00 PM Mar 22nd, 2:15 PM

Temporal Dynamics of Emotion: Biometric Insights into Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

CEC RM #128

The interplay between emotion and decision-making under uncertainty is a pivotal aspect of economic behavior. This paper delves into the latency effect of affect, which refers to the temporal delay between experiencing an emotional response and the consequent decision-making process. I propose that this latency period is a critical, yet underexplored, determinant in the assessment and management of risk. To investigate this phenomenon, I conducted a series of behavioral experiments where subjects made economic decisions under varying levels of uncertainty after exposure to emotional stimuli.

Utilizing biometric data collection methods, including eye tracking, electrodermal activity (EDA), and facial expression analysis, I captured the immediacy and progression of the participants' emotional states and their influence on decision latency and outcomes. Eye tracking provided insights into attentional shifts, EDA offered a measure of arousal, and facial expression analysis gave an index of emotional valence.

The analysis revealed that shorter affective latencies corresponded with more conservative decisions, whereas longer latencies often preceded riskier choices. This pattern was consistent across different levels of uncertainty but was most pronounced when the uncertainty was highest. The biometric measures added a layer of depth to our understanding, showing that physiological changes coincided with shifts in decision-making strategies.

The study contributes to behavioral economics by highlighting the significance of the timing of emotional responses in economic decision-making. These findings may have practical implications for industries that rely on understanding consumer behavior, such as organizational behavior, finance, and marketing, suggesting that strategies to manage emotional responses could be pivotal in guiding decisions under uncertainty.