Sensorimotor Mechanisms of Decisions and Actions

Decisions are often thought of as an intermediary between perception and action, but the degree to which this assumption is integrated into different parts of cognitive neuroscience theory and practice varies. After examining these variations on the causal relationship between decisions and actions, this perspective will argue for the claim that decisions and decision processes do not cause actions. An argument will be made that, in place of decision processes, actions are caused by sensorimotor processes. Lastly, ideas are given for studying the sensorimotor processes involved in decisions and actions. The main recommendation is a move to more ecological testing environments that give participants agency over their actions and allow them to learn by continuously updating sensorimotor processes through active sensing.