Humans utilize model-free learning mechanisms during decision making
Extensive cognitive and neuroimaging research confirms that humans regularly employ model-free (habitual) learning and decision-making mechanisms alongside model-based strategies.
The claim posits that humans utilize model-free learning mechanisms during decision-making. Papers [1] and [2] provide direct, high-quality empirical evidence from human behavioral tasks and fMRI neuroimaging demonstrating the active role and ubiquity of model-free reinforcement learning in human decision-making. Therefore, the balance verdict is SUPPORTED.
Yamada T, Samejima K. Nonlinear influence of reward volatility on arbitration between multiple learning strategies reflects cost–benefit optimization. 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.15.732293
This study demonstrates that human action selection involves both model-based and model-free reinforcement learning strategies, with participants relying on model-free learning under certain conditions such as time pressure or high reward volatility.
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Ding W, Cockburn J, Simon JP, Johri A, Cho SJ, Oh S, Feusner JD, Tadayonnejad R, O'Doherty JP. Model-based and model-free valuation signals in the human brain vary markedly in relation to individual differences in behavioral control.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117454
Using a large-scale fMRI task, this study finds that model-free valuation signals are ubiquitous across human participants during decision-making.
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