Damasio’s Somatic Marker Hypothesis and Iowa Gambling Task (a review)

Abstract

The Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis and the mechanisms of emotional process that may direct behavior and influence decision making are considered in the paper. The gambling task (IGT) used for testing of these mechanisms is described. The relationship of somatic marker hypothesis and research approaches in Russian psychology is discussed. The analysis of empirical confirmation of this hypothesis based on IGT that was found in foreign literature is given. Exploratory opportunities of IGT are considered. The necessity for comparison of IGT performance with pathopsychological and neuropsycological data is substantiated.