Neural correlates of bribe-taking decision dilemma: An fNIRS study

Bribe-taking decision is a social dilemma for individuals: the pursuit of economic self-interest vs. compliance with social norms. Despite the well-known existence of the conflict in deciding whether to accept bribes, little is known about its neural responses. Using functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRS) technology and the bribe -taking decision game (economic gambling game as a control condition), the current study dissociated the neu-ral correlates of the different motivations in the bribery dilemma, as well as the inhibitory effect of social norms on bribery and its underlying brain mechanisms in supra-cortical regions. Findings revealed that if individuals are more motivated by economic interest, rejecting money (vs. accepting money) accompanies higher activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and frontopolar cortex (FPC), which reflects impulse inhibition and decision evaluation; whereas, if individuals are more consider social norms, their DLPFC is more active when they accept bribes (vs. reject bribes), which reflects their fear of punishment. Additionally, the key brain region where social norms inhibit bribery involves the left DLPFC. The current findings contribute to the literature on the neural manifestations of corrupt decisions and provide some insights into the anti-corruption movement.

Automated summary

Using fNIRS technology and the bribe-taking decision game, this study found that individuals face a conflict between economic self-interest and social norms when making bribe-taking decisions. If individuals are more motivated by economic interest, rejecting bribes activates the DLPFC and FPC, indicating impulse inhibition and decision evaluation; if individuals value social norms more, accepting bribes activates the DLPFC, reflecting fear of punishment. The left DLPFC is the key brain region where social norms inhibit bribery.