Development of decision making based on internal and external information: A hierarchical Bayesian approach

Abstract In decision making, people may rely on their own information as well from external sources, such family members, peers, or experts. The current study investigated how these types of are used by comparing four strategies: 1) an internal strategy that relies solely information; 2) the source; 3) a sequential source only after is deemed inadequate; 4) integrative integration both information. Of specific interest were individual and developmental differences in use. Strategy use was examined via Bayesian hierarchical mixture model analysis. A visual task administered to children young adolescents (N=305, ages 9–14). Individual but no age-related changes observed either accuracy dominant across ages, followed strategy, respectively, while extremely rare. This suggests reluctance entirely provided sources. We conclude there not pertaining perceptual decision-making 9- through 14-year-olds. Generalizability findings discussed with regard different forms social influence varying perceptions source. provides stepping stones better understanding modeling making processes presence