Daniel Navarro-Martinez
(Pompeu Fabra University )
Uncertainty Regulation Theory: How the feeling of uncertainty
shapes decision making
I will present a theory of decision-making behavior based on the idea that when people find themselves in a
situation in which they have to make a choice, they experience to some degree a feeling of uncertainty. Regulating
that feeling, usually by trying to reduce it, is proposed to be a fundamental motivation in decision-making
processes. I will illustrate how such an uncertainty-regulation principle can explain and unify a large number of
well-known decision-making phenomena, many of which have been given diverse explanations. The theory does
also make unique predictions about how those phenomena are affected by changes in the feeling of uncertainty
experienced in decision situations. I will also present some experimental evidence that confirms the predictions of
the theory.
Thursday 30th October 2014, 2.30 p.m.— 3.50 p.m.
Library, 3rd Floor Extension, Wolfson Research Exchange Area,
Seminar Room 1
Join us for light refreshments (coffee/tea and biscuits) before the Forum at 2.15 p.m.
This event is free and open to public: go.warwick.ac.uk/draw