Researchers Identify Brain Region Related to Gambler's Illusion.
One remarkable aspect of human cognition is our ability to recognize patterns. This talent assists us countless times a day, but it can also become a hindrance: we're exceptional at identifying imaginary patterns too. This produces issues like the so-called "gambler's fallacy," with individuals believing they'll win in a completely random game.
This isn't news, but researchers at the University of Cambridge have uncovered a specific brain region responsible for this inclination. This area may also contribute to gambling addiction.
The insula, a section of the cerebral cortex situated in both brain hemispheres, is considered to be linked with chasing losses.
"Prospective treatments for gambling addiction could potentially target this heightened activity, either through medications or psychological methods such as mindfulness therapies," the scientists stated.
Research Analyzed Slot Machines and Roulette Games
These conclusions were drawn from research that investigated individuals while they played computerized variations of slot machines and roulette games.
The roulette experiment involved gamblers merely choosing between red and black. Most participants showed a propensity to select whichever color had been prevailing recently – an occurrence occasionally labeled the "reverse gambler's fallacy," wherein a player assumes a particular bet or machine is "hot" regardless of the results' randomness.
A similar pattern took place with the slot machine trials. Participants spun the reels and could either achieve a win or a close call, wherein they were just one symbol removed from a jackpot. Commonly, these near-misses led gamblers to continue playing.
Two patterns were widespread in subjects with intact brains. Scientists also asked a variety of people with brain injuries or trauma to play the games to discern how they would react – a frequent method of ascertaining how the brain processes information.
"Neuroimaging studies can provide a wealth of details on the brain's reaction to intricate happenings, but it's not until we study patients with brain damage that we can establish if a brain region is pivotal for a specific task," said Dr. Luke Clark of the University of Cambridge, the study's leader.
Subjects with Damaged Insula Differ in Reaction
The study sheds light on the thought processes of gamblers. The vast majority of participants with brain harm or damage exhibited the same inclinations as those with healthy brains. However, there was one exception: those with damaged insulae behaved differently. These individuals typically remained fixed on one color in roulette and contemplated near-misses as typical losses on the slot machines.
This implies that the insula may play a vital role in gambling's psychological dimensions. The insula is already well-known for its involvement in decision-making and "gut sensations."
The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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