Eeg As An Effective Method To Measure Neural Correlates Of Decision-Making In Poverty

Studies on poverty have found that monetary scarcity can affect cognitive functioning and decision-making abilities. This is because, individuals who are poor, who experience monetary scarcity, can be easily triggered by budgetary issues and increased cognitive load as a result of having to constantly think about financial issues that eventually affect their ability to make effective decisions. Behavioural studies have found how increased cognitive load impedes cognitive performance and often becomes a significant factor that affects decision-making abilities. However, it is still unclear how cognitive load as a result of scarcity hinders cognitive performance, and what neural processing systems are being affected. Although there are behavioural differences between scarce mind and the non-scarce, the differences in neurobiological processes remain unexplored. Understanding specific neural correlates associated with monetary scarcity will facilitate in identifying how scarcity can impede specific neurocognitive processes. One way to measure neurobiological activity is by using electroencephalography (EEG) event-related potentials (ERPs), which is capable of capturing intrinsic neuro-temporal activities. This paper highlights the importance of investigating the neurobiological basis of how poverty affects cognitive performance. Understanding behaviors related specific neural activities will help to facilitate in developing effective intervention programs that can be targeted to improve decision-making abilities for the poor.