Published
May 29, 2024
Updated
May 29, 2024

Can AI Predict Your Decisions? This Model Shows How

Language Models Trained to do Arithmetic Predict Human Risky and Intertemporal Choice
By
Jian-Qiao Zhu|Haijiang Yan|Thomas L. Griffiths

Summary

Imagine an AI that could predict your next move, not by tracking your online activity, but by mastering basic math. Researchers have developed a fascinating model called Arithmetic-GPT that does just that. By training this small language model on simple arithmetic problems—like calculating expected values—they've found it can surprisingly predict human choices in risky and intertemporal scenarios. These scenarios, like choosing between a guaranteed $10 or a 50/50 chance of $20, reveal our inherent biases and inconsistencies. Arithmetic-GPT shines a light on these quirks by mirroring the computational steps a perfectly rational agent would take. The key? Feeding the model realistic, not just theoretical, probabilities and values. This "ecological validity" makes the AI's predictions eerily human-like, outperforming even larger, more complex language models. While Arithmetic-GPT isn't reading minds, it's demonstrating how our decision-making, even in complex situations, often boils down to basic calculations, complete with predictable errors. This research opens exciting avenues for understanding human cognition and building more human-like AI. It also highlights the importance of transparency in AI training data, a crucial step towards truly understanding how these models work and what they can tell us about ourselves.
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Question & Answers

How does Arithmetic-GPT process expected value calculations to predict human decision-making?
Arithmetic-GPT processes expected value calculations by combining basic arithmetic operations with realistic probability inputs. The model operates by first breaking down decision scenarios into mathematical components (probabilities and values), then applying standard expected value calculations while incorporating ecological validity factors. For example, when evaluating a choice between a guaranteed $10 or a 50/50 chance of $20, the model calculates both the mathematical expected value (0.5 × $20 = $10) and adjusts for known human biases in probability assessment. This approach allows it to mirror human decision-making patterns more accurately than larger language models, demonstrating how complex choices often reduce to basic mathematical operations.
What are the practical applications of AI decision prediction in everyday life?
AI decision prediction has numerous practical applications in daily life, from personal finance to healthcare choices. It can help people make better-informed decisions by highlighting potential biases in their thinking and offering data-driven alternatives. For instance, it could assist in investment decisions by analyzing risk tolerance, help with healthcare choices by evaluating treatment options, or improve shopping decisions by predicting long-term satisfaction with purchases. The technology's ability to process complex scenarios through simple calculations makes it particularly valuable for situations where emotions might cloud judgment or when multiple factors need to be considered simultaneously.
How does AI improve risk assessment in decision-making processes?
AI enhances risk assessment by providing objective, data-driven analysis of potential outcomes. It removes emotional bias from the equation and can process multiple variables simultaneously to provide more accurate risk evaluations. In practical terms, this means better decision-making in areas like financial planning, insurance assessment, and investment strategies. The technology can identify patterns and correlations that humans might miss, leading to more informed choices. For businesses and individuals alike, AI-powered risk assessment tools can help balance potential rewards against possible losses, leading to more optimal decisions.

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