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Study design

The researchers reanalyzed choice accuracy, response time, and difficulty in a two-choice task performed by rhesus macaques. They tested whether response time tracked only task difficulty or also reflected a decision-monitoring process that weighs the expected benefit of control against its cost.

Findings

Contrary to a simple speed-accuracy trade-off, choices made more quickly were more accurate even after accounting for difficulty. A computational account involving metacognitive monitoring of confidence and control costs could explain the pattern, suggesting that monkeys may adapt cognitive effort while deciding.

Limits and context

The evidence comes from a task in macaques and model-based interpretation; the study did not directly measure a human-like subjective confidence report. The association does not show that faster decisions generally improve accuracy or establish how the mechanism works in people.

This sourced news summary and translation were prepared with AI assistance. Source links, the news date and research limitations are disclosed; this is not a claim of independent medical expert review. News production method.

Sources

Research news is not medical advice or a recommendation to use a substance. Read findings in the context of the study design, participants and limitations. Editorial standards.

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