Neural precursors of decisions that matter—an ERP study of deliberate and arbitrary choice


The seminal Libet experiments proposed that consciousness may not be part of the causal role leading to action, and thus that humans might generally make decisions unconsciously. However, the Libet experiments were carried out on arbitrary decisions (e.g., raising the left or right hand for no reason or purpose). This paper demonstrates that the Libet results cannot necessarily be generalized to deliberate decisions (e.g., which job offer to take, which road to follow in the morning). So, the Libet results might not be as pervasive for decision making as previously thought.