Think Like a Worm: Value-Based Decision Making Cinaenorhabditis elegans

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Date

2018-06

Authors

Archer, Johnathan Roberts

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

Nearly all of our actions are based on making choices. The alternatives and their consequences, with input from our memory, our senses, and other factors, are weighed through an incredibly complex neural process. However, this process remains poorly understood. Using a simple food-choice behavioral assay, we tested the decision-making of Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode worm. It is hoped that a clear understanding, both at the neural level and at the behavioral level, of the decision-making process of this organism will help elucidate analogous processes in higher organisms such as humans.

Description

28 pages. Presented to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Robert D. Clark Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science June 2018

Keywords

Neuorbiology, Value-Based Decision Making (VBDM), Generalized Axiom of Revealed Preference (GARP), Behavior, Budget, Caenorhabditis elegans, Rationality

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