The Neuropsychology of Decision Making

An introductory course to the complex cognitive process that is human decision-making, from a neuropsychological perspective. Covering basic neuroanatomy, neurodevelopment, important structures, chemicals and networks, individual differences in decision-making and decision-making deficits. Students will learn about the anatomical underpinnings of a decision and how this anatomy develops, the physiological and chemical processes involved, the importance of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making, the measurement of decision-making in contemporary research, current understandings of the factors that influence the decisions we make and the role of decision-making in complex psychological and neurological disorders.

• To gain an understanding of the brain structures involved in decision-making and how they develop.
• To gain an understanding of the neural mechanisms of decision-making processes and how these are influenced.
• To gain an understanding of decision-making deficits and their role in psychological disorders.
• To identify the key anatomical and physiological components of decision making from a neuropsychological perspective.
• To explain decision-making development in terms of executive function, the role of the prefrontal cortex and influences on development.
• To outline decision-making deficits and roles of decision-making in psychological disorders