Thesis (Ph.D.)--The University of Chicago, 2007. / Adviser: Boaz Keysar. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. S.)--Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007. / Arthur D. Fisk, Committee Chair ; Wendy A. Rogers, Committee Member ; Gregory M. Corso, Committee Member.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1974. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 363-372). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

When primates make decisions about sensory signals, their choices are biased by the costs and benefits associated with different possible outcomes. However, much remains unknown about the neuronal mechanisms by which reward information is integrated into the perceptual decision-making process. I used electrophysiological, psychophysical and imaging techniques to explore the effect of reward on sensory representations, whilst humans and monkeys made perceptual judgements about structure-from-motion (SFM) stimuli. Electrical microstimulation of visual area V5/MT in the macaque monkey was used to bias per- ceptual judgements, under different available reward sizes for correct choices. The behavioural effect of microstimulation interacted with available reward, and, in the context of a drift diffu- sion model of decision-making, the results demonstrated that reward must influence sensory processing before visual signals and micro stimulation signals are accumulated in sensorimotor areas. In a parallel human psychophysics experiment, viewers made decisions about SFM stim- uti whilst their choices were biased towards one outcome or the other by unequal pay-offs. A full drift -diffusion model was fitted to human choice and reaction time data. There was a signif- icant effect of reward on model drift rate, a parameter known to be dependent upon evidence represented in sensory brain regions. A second set of experiments used magneto encephalography (MEG) to explore activity in visual , areas in human cortex and the effects of reward. Brain responses to retinotopic visual stimuli were localized with three different MEG source analysis methods, and localization accuracy was evaluated by comparison with fMRI maps obtained in the same individuals. The results demon- strated that the beamformer and minimum norm estimate (MNE) methods were most suitable for investigating early visual activity with MEG. Human brain activity was then recorded with MEG whilst viewers made perceptual judgements about SFM stimuli, under unequal pay-offs. The results revealed an effect of reward size on early MEG responses in the region of the occipi- tal cortex and visual precuneus. Taken together, the experiments presented in this thesis provide consistent evidence that in- formation about reward can influence the processing of sensory information during perceptual decisions.

Dissertation (M.A. (Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics))--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (S.T.M.)--Yale Divinity School, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-136).

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 1997. / Title from PDF t.p.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Duke University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

This research explores the online purchase decision-making behaviour of consumers by introducing a comprehensive approach that covers two different viewpoints: a) individual-level behaviour and b) market-level behaviour. Individual-level behaviour enhances our understanding of how purchase decision-making processes unfold and whether they differ for different individuals. Drawing from decision analysis and consumer behaviour literature, four segments of online consumers are introduced based on two individual factors: decision making style and knowledge of the product. Archetypal behaviour of each segment is identified addressing variations in the process and process outcome for different groups. In addition, market-level behaviour investigates the actual behaviour of consumers in relation with different retailers in the market; it is based on the aggregated behaviour of 60,000 individuals. Not only behaviour in a particular website but also cross-visiting behaviour of consumers comparing multiple retailers is examined. For this purpose, a multi-level mixed-method approach is designed. Video recording sessions, think-aloud method, interviews and questionnaires are used to capture the dynamic decision-making process, segment consumers and measure the outcome of the process at individual level. Business process modeling approach and an adaptation of path configuration method are selected for modelling the process. Data from an Internet panel data provider, comScore, is analyzed to explore the market-behaviour of consumers visiting multiple retailers. A set of measurement frameworks, that have been developed to fully exploit the research potential of Internet panel data, are designed for this research. Two sectors of banking and mobile network providers are selected; this research methodology enables a much more detailed evaluation of online behaviour and can be applied in other consumer markets.A conceptual model of online purchase decision making is proposed synthesizing theory from three disciplines: consumer behaviour, decision analysis and Information Systems. This model is able to explain the complexities and dynamic nature of real-life decision-making processes. The results of individual-level analysis show that the synthesized model has an enhanced descriptive power. Purchase decision-making processes in the two sectors appear to be highly complex with a large number of iterations, being more unstructured in banking sector. The process is found to be influenced by the both individual characteristics and each segment exhibits a certain typology of behaviour. Behaviour in terms of the way stages are performed is identical across the two sectors; whereas it differs in relation to intensity of decision-making cycles, duration of the process and the process outcome, being a function of product/ market characteristics.The findings of market-level analysis revealed that banking websites are preliminary visited for using online banking services; despite the high portion of visitors, the intensity of research in these websites is low. On the contrary, mobile network providers attract a higher portion of consumers with purchase intentions and enjoy more intensive research. Consumers have a small consideration set in both sectors; and consider certain banks/providers rather than using the accessibility of all alterative on the Internet. It is evident that comparison sites play an important role in both markets affecting the behaviour of online consumers. Finally, the research stresses the use of the Internet as a complementary channel offering specific benefits in each sector.