Single-trial dynamics explain magnitude sensitive decision making

Abstract Background Previous research has reported or predicted, on the basis of theoretical and computational work, magnitude sensitive reaction times. Magnitude sensitivity can arise (1) as a function of single-trial dynamics and/or (2) as recent computational work has suggested, while single-trial dynamics may be magnitude insensitive, magnitude sensitivity could arise as a function of overall reward received which in turn affects the speed at which decision boundaries collapse, allowing faster responses as the overall reward received increases. Results Here, we review previous theoretical and empirical results and we present new evidence for magnitude sensitivity arising as a function of single-trial dynamics. Conclusions The result of magnitude sensitive reaction times reported is not compatible with single-trial magnitude insensitive models, such as the statistically optimal drift diffusion model