Legler, E., Rivera, D. C., et al. (2025).
Communications Psychology, 3(1).
Abstract
Humans tend to repeat action sequences that have led to reward. Recent computational models, based on a long-standing psychological theory, suggest that action selection can also be biased by how often an action or sequence of actions was repeated before, independent of rewards. However, empirical support for such a repetition bias effect in value-based decision-making remains limited. In this study, we provide evidence of a repetition bias for action sequences using a sequential decision-making task (N = 70). Through computational modeling of choices, we demonstrate both the learning and influence of a repetition bias on human value-based decisions. Using model comparison, we find that decisions are best explained by the combined influence of goal-directed reward seeking and a tendency to repeat action sequences. Additionally, we observe significant individual differences in the strength of this repetition bias. These findings lay the groundwork for further research on the interaction between goal-directed reward seeking and the repetition of action sequences in human decision making.
Here are some thoughts:
This research on "repetition bias in a sequential decision-making task" offers valuable insights for psychologists, impacting both their own professional conduct and their understanding of patient behaviors. The study highlights that human decision-making is not solely driven by the pursuit of rewards, but also by an unconscious tendency to repeat previous action sequences. This finding suggests that psychologists, like all individuals, may be influenced by these ingrained patterns in their own practices, potentially leading to a reliance on familiar methods even when alternative, more effective approaches might exist. An awareness of this bias can foster greater self-reflection, encouraging psychologists to critically evaluate their established routines and adapt their strategies to better serve patient needs.
Furthermore, this research provides a crucial framework for understanding repetitive behaviors in patients. By demonstrating the coexistence of repetition bias with goal-directed reward seeking, the study helps explain why individuals might persist in actions that are not directly rewarding or may even be detrimental, a phenomenon often observed in conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction. This distinction between the drivers of behavior can aid psychologists in more accurate patient assessment, allowing them to discern whether a patient's repetitive actions stem from a strong, non-reward-driven bias or from deliberate, goal-oriented choices. The research also notes significant individual differences in the strength of this bias, implying the need for personalized treatment approaches. Moreover, the study's suggestion that frequent repetition contributes to habit formation by diminishing goal-directed control offers insights into how maladaptive habits develop and how interventions can be designed to disrupt these cycles or bolster conscious control.
