The Role of Executive Functions on Ambivalence in Decision-Making

This study investigated the age difference in ambivalence as a function of information search style, instruction conditions, and EFs using two separate decision-making paradigms: Car-purchasing scenario and Charity scenario. This study found a significantly heightened ambivalence level in older adults relative to young adults. There was no significant moderating effect of EFs on the relationship between age and information search style, or significant mediating effect of information search style on relation between age and ambivalence. This study found divergent patterns of information search styles and ambivalence as a function of instruction conditions, age, EFs, and types of scenarios, which suggests various elements that influence the level of ambivalence and decision-making difficulties.